‘We’re trying to stay above water’

On TV, she looks like the happiest woman alive – but the last few years haven’t been plain sailing for Tess Daly, 48. In 2010, seven years after she and TV presenter Vernon Kay, 43, tied the knot, her husband confessed to sending inappropriate text messages to glamour model Rhian Sugden.

Although admitting that she was ‘shattered’, Tess forgave him, and the couple survived the storm. But, last year, Tess was humiliated a second time, as reports emerged that Vernon had been in contact with Rhian again. As details came to light, Tess said, ‘I won’t let this woman ruin my marriage.’

Being forced to defend your marriage amid intense public scrutiny must be humiliating. Tess has also admitted that she struggles when it comes to raising her children around her gruelling work schedule. It means she’s away from daughters Phoebe, 12, and Amber, eight, more than she’d like for the entire run of Strictly. Of that balancing act, she said recently, ‘ We’re just trying to keep our heads above water.’

The past few weeks have been particularly tough for Tess after the death of original Strictly host Bruce Forsyth in August. She confessed, ‘I can’t believe I’ll never see him again.’

Also, current Strictly co-host, Claudia Winkleman, was revealed earlier this year as one of the BBC’s top earners, pocketing £100,00 more than her. So, you can see Tess may have had a few bitter pills to swallow.

Just keep smiling, Tess...