Strictly host Tess Daly believes she can tell who will win each series ‘as early as the launch show’ as star gears up for 20th anniversary series
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Strictly Come Dancing presenter Tess Daly has revealed that she can sometimes predict who will win which series ‘during the series launch’.
Tess, 55, has been presenting BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing since it launched in 2004, initially joined by Bruce Forsyth.
Claudia Winkleman joined the duo in 2011 and Bruce left the show after the series ended in 2013, passing away four years later at the age of 89.
Tess has developed some special talents during her twenty-year career as a presenter of one of Britain’s biggest television programmes, including spotting winners.
She told The sun: ‘The ’24 class seems like a pretty exciting bunch. As a collective I really can’t wait to see what they have in store for us.
Strictly Come Dancing presenter Tess Daly, 55, has revealed she can sometimes predict who will win which series right at the show’s launch
Tess (right) has presented Strictly Come Dancing since it started in 2004 and Claudia Winkleman (pictured) joined the main show in 2011
Two decades at the helm of one of Britain’s biggest television shows has given Tess some special skills, including spotting a winner
‘Sometimes I feel like I can spot the winner at the launch show because it’s clear they have the full package, but more often than not I get surprised, just like everyone else.
Tess concluded: ‘I think it takes something special and not just talent to capture the imagination of the viewers and win the series. Not only do you have to have learned the necessary dance skills to show your talent, but you also have to have won our hearts.’
Claudia said she never knows who will win and enjoys the ‘magical moment’ when Tess announces the names of the winning couple.
The Traitors presenter also revealed that she still gets nervous when she hears the theme song and gets ready to go into the studio, despite being on the show for 13 years.
Strictly returns for its twenty-second series on September 21, with the show already scheduled to conclude on December 14.
The series will feature 15 celebrities, including Jamie Borthwick, the winner of the 2023 Christmas Special, who has said he wants to combine EastEnders and training.
Others taking part include Toyah Willcox, JLS’s JB Gill, Love Island’s Tasha Ghouri, Zara McDermott’s best friend Pete Wicks and GoCompare’s Wynne Evans.
While their celebrity partners won’t be revealed at launch, some viewers think they have a good idea who the two will be.
Tess shared: ‘Sometimes I feel like I can tell the winner during the launch show because it’s clear they have the full package’
Despite Strictly’s year of scandals, they still managed to win an award at the National Television Awards on Wednesday.
The Strictly team took home the talent show award. As Tess and Claudia accepted the prize, their colleagues looked on in shock.
What caused tension was the fact that the award was presented by former Made In Chelsea star Sam Thompson.
Sam is the boyfriend of Zara McDermott – and best friend of Pete, who is competing this year – who rose to infamy in 2023 when it was revealed she was abused by her Strictly partner Graziano Di Prima.
STRICT LINE-UP 2024
Chris McCausland
Age: 46
Occupation: Comedian
Chris says, “If there’s anyone out there who’s thinking, ‘How on earth is he going to do that?’ – I’m sure I’m thinking exactly the same thing.”
Doctor Punam Krishan
Age: Unknown
Occupation: general practitioner and announcer
Punam says: ‘I’ve watched Strictly every year and it feels extra special that this is the 20th year. I can’t believe I’m the one getting Strictly-fied.’
Toyah Willcox
Age: 66
Occupation: Singer, actor, presenter
Toyah says: ‘I’m super excited and loving this show. To be a part of it, the spray tan, the glitter. It’s a milestone year for me, I came in as a pensioner, Glasto and now I’m getting spray tans.’
Peter Wicks
Age: 36
Occupation: Reality star
Pete says: ‘Dancing live for the people every Saturday? Really scary.’
Shayne Department
Age: 39
Occupation: Actor and singer
Shayne says: ‘I’m no stranger to live TV, but Latin and Ballroom dancing in front of millions of people is a whole new level.’
Tom Dean
Age: 24
Occupation: Olympic medal-winning swimmer
Tom says: ‘Now I can officially say how excited I am to start something new, meet some brilliant people and go dancing’
Nick Kennes
Age: 61
Occupation: TV presenter
Nick says, ‘I’m going all in, I’m going for it 100 percent!’
Montell Douglas
Age: 38
Occupation: Former Team GB Olympian and current Gladiator
Montell says, “Hopefully some of my Gladiator moves will come in handy in the Tango or Paso Doble!”
JB Gill
Age: 37
Occupation: Singer
JB says, “A lot of the ballroom styles are very foreign to me — I didn’t do those dances growing up. I’m not a trained dancer.”
Wynne Evans
Age: 52
Occupation: Opera singer, presenter
Wynne says, “What I’m nervous about is the things that involve jumping. I don’t necessarily want to do the jive, I’m nervous about that.
Tasha Ghouri
Age: 25
Occupation: Model and reality star
Tasha says: ‘I’ve been watching the show since I was little. It’s a real Ghouri family favourite. So this is a dream come true.’
Sarah Hadland
Age: 53
Occupation: Actress
Sarah says: ‘I’m absolutely thrilled to be part of such an iconic show that’s been around for 20 years.’
Jamie Borthwick
Age: 30
Occupation: EastEnders star
Jamie says: ‘I had a great time doing the Christmas special so when I was asked to join in it was a no brainer!’
Sam Quek
Age: 35
Occupation: Former GB hockey player and presenter
Sam says: ‘I’m so relieved it’s out now, it was hard keeping it a secret! The rumours got out and I had to lie! I’m used to dancing on a girls night out but I’m going to give it my all’
Paul Merson
Age: 56
Occupation: Former footballer
Paul says: ‘I only worry about it when it starts, but once it happens I get nervous. After all, I’ve only danced three times in my life!’