Rachel: Don’t ring me
The bubbly presenter was rocked by allegations that husband Vernon Kay had sent racy texts to glamour model Rhian Sugden, 30.
But Tess came to his defence, claiming the Page 3 girl tried to stitch up Vernon, 42, by luring him into a tryst at a hotel.
Six years ago the pair were exposed for swapping flirty messages behind Tess’s back. Rhian called them harmless fun.
Mum-of-two Tess, 47, vowed to not let Rhian “ruin my marriage”.
Now Tess is looki ng f orward to Christmas, getting fit in 2017 and the next series of Strictly.
She said: “This time of year makes you stop and take stock and I’m counting my blessings, grateful for the precious times making lifelong memories with good friends and family – and having the good health to enjoy it all.”
She offered advice to other families who have had a tough 2016, saying: “Christmas can be particularly testing for couples. Take time out for each other. Open a bottle of wine, put your feet up, watch a funny film and enjoy laughing together.
“If tensions start to rise over the Christmas holiday, play a board game, a family favourite. Families who play together, stay together.”
After Christmas she is planning a THERE i s one present that Countdown star Rachel Riley definitely won’t be expecting tomorrow – an engagement ring.
She and dancer Pasha Kovalev fell for each other three years ago while partnered on Strictly.
Rachel, 30, split from her husband Jamie Gilbert to be with Russian Pasha, 36.
But there are no plans for a wedding.
She said: “Four of my best friends married this year and I was a bridesmaid three times. It’s not something we want to do. We’re happy as we are – being wedding guests and enjoying the party.” Rachel, also a Sky Sports host, is in no rush to start a family either. She said: “Everyone’s having babies and I’m letting them get on with it. “I love seeing friends’ babies but I get more broody when I see puppies. We don’t plan for the future – what will be will be.” Rachel will be hosting a family Christmas dinner at her London home. She said: “I’m cooking – so I’m hoping my presents from Pasha are kitchen gadgets.”