Tess Daly Celebrates Guinness World Record Ahead of Show Departure

Tess Daly, the long-standing host of Strictly Come Dancing, received a Guinness World Record for her remarkable tenure as the longest-serving presenter of a dance competition television show. The 56-year-old television personality is preparing to bid farewell to the popular BBC series, alongside co-presenter Claudia Winkleman, after an impressive 21 years and 216 days on air.

Tess has been a familiar face since the show first aired in 2004, sharing the stage with the late Sir Bruce Forsyth until his retirement in 2013. Following his departure, Claudia joined Tess as co-host, creating a dynamic duo beloved by fans.

Emotional Milestones and Tributes

During a recent appearance on The One Show, Tess received the news of her record-breaking achievement from a Guinness World Records official, who stated, “No Tess, you have achieved the Guinness World Record title for the longest-serving host of the same dance competition TV show.” Stunned by the announcement, Tess exclaimed, “No way! I think my kids might finally think I’m cool now. That is… it’s amazing! Thank you so much.”

The official Instagram account for The One Show celebrated this milestone, posting, “Tess Daly is awarded the Guinness World Records title for the longest-serving host of the same dance competition TV show!” This honor comes just as the duo prepares to conclude their time on the program, adding an extra layer of emotion to their final episodes.

In a touching tribute during a recent results show, Tess and Claudia were visibly moved as the judging panel—Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke—honored them with a video montage showcasing their best moments on the show. Craig expressed the judges’ sentiments, saying, “We just want to tell you how much we’re going to miss you and how much we love you to bits.”

Reflecting on a Legacy

The emotional tribute included heartfelt messages from each judge, nostalgic clips of Tess and Claudia’s friendship, and memorable footage of Bruce Forsyth from his inaugural episode in 2004. Overwhelmed by the montage, Claudia remarked, “We love you, we’re so lucky,” while Tess added, “You guys are like family to us, and we’ll always think that about you all. We’ve had the most amazing time.”

As Tess Daly prepares for her exit, fans can look forward to the final episodes of Strictly Come Dancing, which returns on Saturday at 18:55 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The legacy of her contributions to the show will undoubtedly resonate with viewers and participants alike for years to come.