Strictly Come Dancing co-host Tess Daly’s real name was used as she was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) by King Charles, calling it the ‘greatest honour’
Tess Daly after being made a Member of the Order of the British Empire at an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle, Berkshire(Image: PA)
Strictly Come Dancing co-host Tess Daly has said being made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) is the “greatest honour” of her career and one that she is dedicating to her late father.
The 56-year-old, who was made an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for services to broadcasting, was accompanied by her husband Vernon Kay during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle today, Wednesday 12 November. Tess stunned in a red outfit for the important occasion and was introduced by her real name, Miss Helen Daly (Tess Daly), from Beaconsfield.
Last month, Tess and her Strictly co-host Claudia Winkleman, who was also made an MBE, announced they would be leaving the popular BBC One dancing show after its Christmas special, having fronted the programme together since 2014.
Miss Helen Daly (Tess Daly), from Beaconsfield, is made a Member of the Order of the British Empire by King Charles III (Image: PA)
Tess’ real name of Helen Daly was used during the investiture
Tess spoke about the programme with King Charles and said he put her “at ease” during the ceremony. She said: “This is probably the greatest honour of my career and it still feels quite surreal to be honest with you.
“I’ve been working in television for 25 years, and it’s a job I absolutely love to do. It was a real privilege to be in a room of people who have made a difference in their communities, who have built incredible careers. It was a very inspiring environment.”
She added: “His Majesty put me at ease – I was quite nervous. We talked about the show and I know the Queen enjoys it. She sent me a letter of congratulations when I received the MBE which meant the world.”
She added: “He (the King) thanked me for the work I have done for his charity as well – the King’s Trust. We talked about the funds that it’s raised and how many young people’s lives this has made a huge difference to and I’m very proud to be an ambassador of this charity.
“It’s just incredible to be welcomed into a royal residence by a member of the royal family, the King no less, and to have such an honour bestowed upon you is something that you don’t take lightly.
Tess Daly with Vernon Kay and their daughter Phoebe Kay
“I will never forget this day for the rest of my life. It’s for my family as much as it is for myself. If I could dedicate it to anyone, I would dedicate it to my late dad because he’d be so proud of his daughter meeting the King, in a castle.”
Speaking about her forthcoming departure from Strictly, she said: “I love the show, it’s wonderful and it’s just fantastic to have worked on it for as many years as I have.
“It’s been such a great opportunity to work with incredibly talented people. Obviously for me, there’s no show like it.
“I will miss it but I’m quite looking forward to a lie-in on Saturday morning – and new ventures in the new year.”
Asked who will replace her, she said: “I have no idea, it’s not up to me. I’ll be watching at home with Claudia – we’ll be watching the launcher together!”
Last month, Tess and her Strictly co-host Claudia Winkleman announced they would be leaving the show (Image: PA)
Tess first appeared on screens in 1999 when she hosted The Big Breakfast’s Find Me A Model competition on Channel 4.
