Key Highlights
- Tess Daly received an MBE for services to broadcasting.
- Daly and Claudia Winkleman will be leaving Strictly Come Dancing after its Christmas special this year.
- The pair were recognized during the King’s Birthday Honours at Windsor Castle.
Tess Daly Receives MBE for Strictly Come Dancing Contributions
Strictly Come Dancing presenter Tess Daly has revealed that receiving an MBE is the “greatest honour” of her career, as she was recognized alongside co-host Claudia Winkleman in the King’s Birthday Honours. The duo were honored at a ceremony held on Wednesday at Windsor Castle for their contributions to broadcasting.
MBE Recognition and Career Dedication
In an interview following the investiture, Daly expressed her gratitude and highlighted the significance of the award: “This is probably the greatest honour of my career and it still feels quite surreal. I’ve been working in television for 25 years, and it’s a job I absolutely love to do.” She also dedicated the MBE to her late father, stating, “He’d be so proud of his daughter meeting the King, in a castle.”
Co-host Claudia Winkleman’s Departure
Daly and Winkleman announced their departure from Strictly Come Dancing earlier this month. The pair have been co-hosting the show since 2014 and will be leaving after this year’s Christmas special on December 25, 2023.
Reflecting on Their Time Together
Daly shared her thoughts on their upcoming departure: “There’s no show like it. I’ll miss it but I’m quite looking forward to a lie-in on Saturday morning—and new ventures in the new year.” When asked about potential replacements, 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!”
Strictly Come Dancing Legacy and Awards
The duo has had a significant impact on Saturday night TV as the first female presenting duo, and their departure will mark an end to an era of the show. Additionally, they were recognized with a Bafta for the entertainment programme category at the 2024 awards.
Other Honours at the Investiture
At the same investiture ceremony, former EastEnders star Anita Dobson was made an OBE for her services to charitable fundraising and philanthropy. Shadow housing secretary Sir James Cleverly also received his knighthood, while Det Supt Katherine Goodwin, who led the manhunt for Sarah Everard’s murderer in 2021, was awarded the King’s Police Medal.
For Tess Daly, this MBE marks a significant milestone in her career and a personal tribute to her father. As she prepares to leave Strictly Come Dancing, fans and colleagues alike will undoubtedly reflect on the legacy she has built alongside Claudia Winkleman over the years.
