Key Highlights
- Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman receive Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to broadcasting.
- The duo will be leaving Strictly Come Dancing after its Christmas special this year.
- Daly dedicates her MBE to her late father, expressing pride in meeting King Charles III.
Tess Daly Honored with MBE for Services to Broadcasting
Strictly Come Dancing presenter Tess Daly has been recognized with a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) accolade for her contributions to broadcasting. The honor, announced in the King’s Birthday Honours list four days ago, was bestowed upon Daly during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on Wednesday.
“This is probably the greatest honour of my career and it still feels quite surreal,” Daly told reporters after the investiture. “I’ve been working in television for 25 years, and it’s a job I absolutely love to do.”
Dedicating Her Honor to Father
During her remarks at the ceremony, Daly expressed her gratitude by dedicating the MBE to her late father: “He’d be so proud of his daughter meeting the King, in a castle.” Daly was accompanied to the investiture by her husband Vernon Kay and their two children.
Strictly Come Dancing’s Co-Hosts Announce Departure
In a surprising turn of events, both Tess Daly and her co-host Claudia Winkleman have announced their decision to leave Strictly Come Dancing after its Christmas special this year. The announcement was made on Instagram last month, marking the end of their 10-year partnership since 2014.
Speaking about her departure, Daly shared: “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.” When asked who will replace them, Daly remained non-committal: “I have no idea, it’s not up to me.”
Legacy of Strictly Come Dancing
The duo, known for their sharp wit and engaging presence on the dance floor, also celebrated their achievements at the 2024 Bafta TV Awards where they picked up an award in the entertainment programme category. Daly’s long-standing involvement with the show includes hosting the annual charity appeal show BBC Children In Need alongside late Sir Terry Wogan.
Meanwhile, Claudia Winkleman has been a key figure on the entertainment landscape since 2004 when she hosted the sister show It Takes Two. Her presence and expertise have made her a significant part of primetime Saturday night television in the UK.
Other Honors at the Investiture
The investiture ceremony also saw other notable figures receiving honors, including Anita Dobson, best known for playing Angie Watts in EastEnders. She was awarded an OBE for her services to charitable fundraising and philanthropy. Shadow housing secretary Sir James Cleverly received a knighthood, while Det Supt Katherine Goodwin from the Met Police was honored with the King’s Police Medal for leading the manhunt that resulted in the conviction of Met police officer Wayne Couzens.
Reflecting on her honor, Daly expressed appreciation: “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 which meant the world.”
This article provides an in-depth look into Tess Daly’s MBE recognition, the upcoming departure of Strictly Come Dancing’s co-hosts, and other notable honorees at the investiture ceremony.
