Tess Daly, the iconic co-host of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, has described receiving her Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) from King Charles III as the “greatest honour” of her illustrious broadcasting career, dedicating the accolade to her late father in a heartfelt moment at Windsor Castle. The 56-year-old presenter, whose real name is Helen Daly, beamed in a striking all-red ensemble as she accepted the honour for her services to broadcasting, joined by husband Vernon Kay and their two daughters, Phoebe and Amber.

The ceremony, held on November 12 at Windsor Castle, marked a poignant milestone for Daly, who burst into tears upon first learning of the award earlier this year. “The investiture took place at Windsor Castle where I was deeply honoured to receive an MBE – with the medal presented by His Majesty The King,” she shared on Instagram, her voice cracking with emotion in a follow-up interview. “I’m proud to hail from a northern working-class background, which makes this all the more surreal and special. My only regret is that my darling dad didn’t get to be part of one of the most special days of my life.”

Daly’s journey to the palace steps began in her hometown of Oldham, Greater Manchester, where she honed her skills as a model before transitioning to television in the late 1990s. She first captured national attention co-hosting Channel 5’s Back to Reality in 2004, but it was her pairing with the late Sir Bruce Forsyth on Strictly Come Dancing that catapulted her to stardom. For a decade, she stood beside the legendary entertainer, helping transform the glitzy dance competition into a Saturday night institution that draws up to 12 million viewers per episode. Following Forsyth’s retirement in 2014 and his passing in 2017, Daly teamed up with Claudia Winkleman, forging a dynamic duo that clinched the BAFTA TV Award for Best Entertainment Programme in 2024.

The MBE, announced in the King’s Birthday Honours List in June, recognizes not just her on-screen sparkle but her off-camera contributions, including years of fronting BBC’s Children in Need alongside the late Sir Terry Wogan and her advocacy work with The King’s Trust, formerly The Prince’s Trust. During the investiture, Daly shared a light-hearted chat with the King about the royal family’s love for Strictly. “We talked about the show, and I know the Queen [Camilla] enjoys it,” she revealed. “She sent me a letter of congratulations when I received the MBE, which meant the world.” Charles, ever the charmer, reportedly thanked her for her charitable efforts and put her nerves at ease with his warmth.

Camilla’s fandom is no secret; the Queen Consort has declared herself “one of Strictly’s greatest fans,” even joining pros for a dance during a 2019 visit and coaching volunteers with dancer Johannes Radebe in 2024. It’s a bond that underscores the show’s cultural clout, blending escapism with subtle social good—much like Daly’s own ethos.

Yet the honour arrives bittersweet. Just last month, Daly and Winkleman—herself an MBE recipient—announced their departure from Strictly after the Christmas special, ending a 21-year run for Daly that began under Forsyth’s wing. “I love the show; it’s wonderful, and it’s just fantastic to have worked on it for as many years as I have,” Daly reflected post-ceremony. “There’s no show like it.” Speculation swirls over replacements, with names like AJ Odudu and Maya Jama floated, but Daly insists her exit is about cherishing the legacy rather than burnout.

Vernon Kay, Daly’s husband of 21 years and a BBC Radio 2 DJ, was by her side, posting a gushing tribute: “Congratulations @tessdaly on your MBE. All the hard work and huge effort you put into everything you do has been recognised by the King. So proud of you.” The couple, who weathered a 2010 scandal involving Kay’s flirtatious texts, have since become a picture of resilience, raising daughters Phoebe, 20, and Amber, 15, in a Beaconsfield home far from the spotlight’s glare.

Social media erupted with support, from co-stars like Anton Du Beke (“You deserve this more than anyone!”) to fans hailing her as a “trailblazer for women in telly.” One X user quipped: “21 years of sequins and smiles—MBE well earned! Pop those corks!” Not all reactions were glowing; a minority grumbled about “awards for autocue reading,” but Daly’s defenders drowned them out, emphasizing her role in uplifting millions through charity and entertainment.

Daly’s MBE joins a roster of Strictly luminaries honoured over the years, including Forsyth (knighted in 2006) and judges like Bruno Tonioli (OBE in 2020). As the show faces its own scrutiny—recent scandals involving pro dancer Giovanni Pernice and judge Anton Du Beke’s exit—Daly’s nod feels like a stabilizing force, affirming Strictly‘s enduring place in British hearts.

Looking ahead, Daly eyes more family time and selective projects, perhaps dipping back into modeling or penning a memoir. “This honour is a reflection of their talent, dedication, and support,” she said of her collaborators. “Receiving this award is a privilege beyond words.” For a woman who turned a Lancastrian twinkle into television gold, it’s a fitting coda—one that, like a perfect paso doble, leaves audiences breathless and begging for an encore.