Tess Daly left Strictly Come Dancing after 21 years last year and she’s now landed a new role
19:59, 25 Feb 2026Updated 20:04, 25 Feb 2026
Tess Daly has teamed up with husband Vernon Kay (Image: BBC)
Tess Daly has returned to television screens just a couple of months after departing from her lengthy stint presenting Strictly Come Dancing.
The presenter, 56, stepped away from the BBC One dance competition after an impressive 21-year run. She initially fronted the programme in 2004 alongside Sir Bruce Forsyth, before Claudia Winkleman took over following his departure in 2014.
Now, Tess is back in familiar territory, having hosted Wednesday’s (February 25) instalment of The One Show with husband Vernon Kay.
This marks the first time in nearly two decades that the couple have co-presented a programme together. Kicking off proceedings, Vernon began: “Hello everyone and welcome to your Wednesday’s One Show live on BBC One and iPlayer.”
Explaining the change in line-up, he noted: “There’s no Alex or Roman tonight because they’re at Windsor Castle. They’re filming the BBC’s 500 words.”, reports Wales Online.
Tess Daly has returned to television screens just a couple of months after departing from her lengthy stint presenting Strictly Come Dancing(Image: BBC)
Shifting focus to Tess, he added: “But don’t worry because look who we have here, someone I know will definitely keep me in check… TV royalty Tess Daly.”
The former Strictly presenter received warm applause as she responded: “Wow, I’m thrilled to be here, such a special show.” She then proceeded to outline what was in store for audiences.
Amongst the various highlights, the pair were also accompanied by Jessie Buckley, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Bridgerton stars Luke Thompson and Yerin Ha.
Viewers tuning in at home were swift to express their thoughts online, with one posting on X: “Loving @TessDaly and @vernonkay together on the @BBCOne Show.”
Another remarked: “Seeing Tess Daly on a TV show other then Strictly feels very weird. We’ll have to get used to this now she’s left #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing #TheOneShow.”
This marks the first time in nearly two decades that the couple have co-presented a programme together(Image: Joe Maher, Getty Images)
A third commented: “Tess looks fab! Good luck to her trying her hand at other stuff! #theoneshow.” Another observed: “Love Tess and Vern together yes! #theoneshow.” One noted: “Tess in new job already #theoneshow.”
Meanwhile, another highlighted: “Tess Daly and Vernon Kay presenting #TheOneShow NOW – first time they’ve presented together as a married couple in just under 20 years.”
The pair initially crossed paths when both were emerging presenters working on separate programmes for some of Britain’s leading broadcasters.
Vernon was fronting Channel 4’s T4 at the time, whilst Tess was presenting SMTV on ITV during Saturday mornings. The duo started their relationship soon after meeting on T4, subsequently becoming one of television’s most recognisable couples.
Two years following their first encounter, they married at St Mary’s Church in Horwich, Vernon’s home town. They’re now parents to two daughters, Phoebe and Amber.
The pair welcomed their eldest daughter Phoebe into the world in 2004, before their second daughter Amber arrived five years later. Throughout this period, both Tess and Vernon’s professional lives flourished, with the duo even teaming up to co-host the BBC singing contest Just The Two Of Us between 2006 and 2007.
The One Show airs weekdays from 7pm on BBC One and iPlayer
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