This Saturday will see the first live show of the new series of Strictly Come Dancing , with hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman introducing this year's competing celebrities and professional dancers, while also attempting to keep the judges in check as they score each performance. Tess has been a staple on the show since its inception in 2004, and at 55 years old, she appears to have barely aged, as revealed by photos from early in her career. Unearthed snaps from her stint as a presenter on children's show SMTV in 2003 show the former model looking radiant with shoulder-length straight hair, alongside co-presenter Brian Dowling .
While viewers are accustomed to seeing Tess glammed up for the red carpet and Strictly Come Dancing, she sported a more casual look on the kids' show, donning low-rise jeans and a rugby-style top. Married to DJ and presenter Vernon Kay, Tess kick-started her career as a model after being spotted waiting for her sister outside a McDonald's in Manchester. Her first professional photo shoot took place just weeks after her 18th birthday in 1987.
She spent time modelling in London, before living in Paris for five years, and then another five years in New York. During her modelling days, she featured in two Duran Duran music videos and even went nude for The Beloved's 1993 music video for Sweet Harmony. Tess opened up about the emotional turmoil she faced during her early days on the show.
Landing the gig shortly after her first big break on SMTV Live .