After departing from Strictly Come Dancing in the previous year, Tess Daly is reportedly set to venture into radio following a similar path as her former husband.
Reportedly, Tess, aged 57, is primed to join Magic Radio for a new show, marking her return to the industry after bidding farewell to Strictly Come Dancing, a show she graced for 21 years on the BBC.
Her ex-partner, Vernon Kay, already established in the radio domain, hosts a daytime program on BBC Radio 2. The couple, who were married for 23 years before announcing their separation in May, seems to be heading in parallel radio directions. Fleur East, a former Strictly contestant turned host of It Takes Two, also delves into radio with a breakfast show on Hits Radio.
A source disclosed to The Sun that Tess holds a strong fan base from her Strictly days and radio executives are enthusiastic about offering her a prominent slot on the station.
There is speculation that Tess may find herself in direct competition with Vernon, who hosts the mid-morning show on Radio 2 starting at 9:30 am, succeeding Ken Bruce in 2023.
Following Ken Bruce’s move to Greatest Hits Radio under Bauer Media Audio UK, the same group that controls Magic Radio and Hits Radio, where Fleur is situated, former Strictly and It Takes Two star Zoe Ball also landed a weekday presenting role at Greatest Hits Radio.
Transitioning from nearly three decades on television, Tess Daly initiated her hosting career in 1999 on Channel 4’s The Big Breakfast. She further hosted the National Television Awards for ITV2 in 2002 and took over Ulrika Jonsson’s role on Home On Their Own.
Her breakthrough came in 2004 when she co-hosted Strictly Come Dancing with Bruce Forsyth. Tess remained on the show until 2025, when she and Claudia Winkleman simultaneously exited.
Claudia has since ventured into hosting her program, The Claudia Winkleman Show, airing on the BBC during The Graham Norton Show’s off-season. Meanwhile, Emma Willis, Josh Widdecombe, and former Strictly professional dancer Johannes Radebe now helm Strictly.
The last time Strictly had three hosts was in 2013 when Bruce, Tess, and Claudia jointly presented. They commenced as a trio in 2010 and continued until Bruce’s retirement post the 2013 season.
The Mirror reached out to Tess Daly’s representatives and Bauer Media Audio UK’s press team for comments.