Strictly Come Dancing's Tess Daly says MBE is the 'greatest honour' of her career
Congratulations, Tess!Strictly Come Dancing host Tess Daly has officially been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) during a ceremony at Buckingham Palace today (November 12), hosted by King Charles.
The 56-year-old presenter received the honour as part of the King’s Birthday Honours for her services to broadcasting.
Tess has been a mainstay on Strictly for more than 20 years, becoming one of the most recognisable faces on British television. Before that, she fronted major programmes including Sport Relief, Children in Need and SMTV Live.
Her royal recognition comes just weeks after she shocked fans by announcing that she and co-host Claudia Winkleman will be stepping down from Strictly at the end of this series. It marks the end of an era for the beloved BBC show.
Tess Daly receives MBE at Windsor Castle
On Wednesday afternoon, Tess was accompanied by her presenter husband Vernon Kay and their 21-year-old daughter Phoebe during the investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle.
For the special occasion, Tess wore a red dress and a matching hat that featured a veil. She wore her signature blonde locks down in waves and completed her ensemble with a pair of heels.
“This is probably the greatest honour of my career and it still feels quite surreal to be honest with you,” Tess old PA Media.
“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.”
Tess admitted she was “quite nervous” today. However, she added: “His Majesty put me at ease.”
Tess explained how she and King Charles spoke about how Queen Camila is a fan of Strictly. She also revealed she received a letter from her, which “meant the world”.
She also mentioned that Charles thanked Tess for the charity work she’s done for the King’s Trust.
Tess decided to dedicate her MBE to her late dad. She explained he would be “so proud of his daughter meeting the King, in a castle”.
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Fans divided
Some users on X (Twitter) have questioned the star’s accolade.
“Why the [bleep] has Tess Daly been given an MBE?” one user questioned on X.
“15 years of reading an autocue. She should dedicate it to Bruce because without him, she wouldn’t have had the job,” another person shared.
“Getting an award for doing a well-paid job? Seems to have lost its credibility these days!” a third remarked.
But others came to her defense. Following the news, many fans shared their congratulations as they posted in her comments section.
La Voix, fellow Strictly star, wrote: “I am so proud of you! This is amazing.”
Nikita Kanda said: “Wow! Cograts, amazing news!”
Whereas rugby star Chris Robshaw penned: “Congratulations Tess, well deserved.”
Pro dancer Dianne Buswell sent her two heart emojis as well.
