Tess Daly: Husband, Age, Net Worth, Biography, Career, Disability & More

Tess Daly (born Helen Elizabeth Daly) is an English television presenter, former model, and author, best known for her long-standing role co-hosting Strictly Come Dancing on BBC One. Her career spans modelling, television hosting, fashion endorsement, and even novel-writing.

This article explores Tess Daly’s husband, age, net worth, biography, career highlights, and what is publicly known about any disability or health matters.

Quick Facts About Tess Daly

● Full Name: Helen Elizabeth “Tess” Daly

● Date of Birth: 29 March 1969

● Age: 56 years

● Nationality: British

● Spouse: Vernon Kay (m. 2003)

● Children: 2 daughters – Phoebe & Amber

● Known For: Strictly Come Dancing co-host, former model

● Estimated Net Worth: US $2-6 million (various estimates)

● Honour: MBE (2025)

Biography & Early Life

Tess Daly was born as Helen Elizabeth Daly on 29 March 1969 in Stockport, Cheshire, England. Her father, Felix James “Vivian” Daly, worked in a textile factory and passed away in 2003 from emphysema; her mother is Sylvia (née Bradley).

Tess grew up in Birch Vale near New Mills in Derbyshire and attended Hayfield Primary School, followed by New Mills Secondary School, achieving nine O-levels.

She began modelling at about age 17 after being spotted, later working internationally in Tokyo, Paris, and New York.

Age

Tess Daly is 56 years old (born 29 March 1969).

Career Highlights

Tess Daly has had a diverse and high-profile career:

● Her modelling career took her to international fashion capitals in her early years.

● In television, she joined as co-host of Strictly Come Dancing in 2004 (initially with Sir Bruce Forsyth, and later with Claudia Winkleman since 2014).

● She has also hosted major televised events, including The National Lottery, Children in Need telethons (2008-2019,) and the Royal Variety Performance.

● Outside broadcasting, Tess co-founded the swimwear brand Naia Beach, published health & fitness book 4 Steps: To a Happier, Healthier You, and served as a brand ambassador for companies like L’Oréal and Vitabiotics.

● In June 2025, she was appointed MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for services to broadcasting.

Husband & Family

Tess Daly married English television presenter and DJ Vernon Kay on 12 September 2003 at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Horwich, near Bolton. They have two daughters: Phoebe Elizabeth (born October 17, 2004) and Amber Isabella (born May 30, 2009).

Net Worth

Estimates of Tess Daly’s net worth vary:

● One source lists her net worth at approximately US $2 million as of 2025.

● Another indicates a combined net worth with her husband of about £6 million (British pounds) for the couple.

Her income sources include her long-standing television role on Strictly Come Dancing, modelling and endorsement contracts, book sales, and her swimwear business.

Disability and Health

Tess Daly has been open about living with dyslexia, a learning difference that affects reading, spelling, and information processing. She has said she struggled academically while growing up and was not formally diagnosed until later in life. Daly has credited her diagnosis with helping her better understand her learning style and challenges.

Despite dyslexia, Tess Daly built a highly successful career in television, becoming one of the BBC’s most recognizable presenters. She has spoken about developing strong coping strategies, including memorization techniques and relying on preparation rather than reading directly from scripts.

In terms of physical health, Tess Daly has not disclosed any chronic illnesses or serious medical conditions. She is widely regarded as being in good health and often speaks about maintaining balance through fitness, wellness routines, and family life.

Importantly, Daly has emphasized that dyslexia did not limit her professional abilities, and she has used her platform to help reduce stigma around learning differences, particularly in education and media.

Why Tess Daly Stands Out

● She successfully transitioned from modelling to becoming one of Britain’s most recognisable television presenters.

● Her long tenure on Strictly Come Dancing (over two decades) has made her a fixture of British Saturday-night viewing.

● Beyond TV, she extended her brand into fashion, publishing, and business ventures.

● Her recognition with an MBE underscores her contribution to broadcasting.

Conclusion

Tess Daly is a prominent figure in British television whose career spans modelling, hosting top-rated shows, entrepreneurship, and authorship. With a successful marriage, two daughters, and a strong personal brand, she continues to resonate with audiences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is Tess Daly’s disability?

Tess Daly has spoken publicly about having dyslexia, a learning difference that affects reading and writing. She has said it shaped her school experience, but did not limit her career.

2. Why is Tess Daly leaving Strictly Come Dancing?

Tess Daly is leaving Strictly Come Dancing because she and co-host Claudia Winkleman decided it was the right time to step down after 21 years on the show. They announced they would host the current series through to the Christmas special in 2025 before passing the role on, saying it felt like the right moment to “pass the sparkly baton” and enjoy new opportunities.

3. How old was Tess Daly when she had children?

Tess Daly was 35 years old when she had her first daughter, Phoebe, in 2004, and 39 years old when her second daughter, Amber, was born in 2009.

4. How much does Tess Daly get paid?

Tess Daly’s exact salary is not publicly disclosed, but media estimates suggest she earns around £400,000 or more per year, largely from Strictly Come Dancing and other TV work.