Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly are celebrated for their contributions to broadcasting, receiving MBEs in the King’s Birthday Honours list.
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The broadcasting world is buzzing as Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly have been named Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours list. This prestigious recognition highlights their significant contributions to television and radio, celebrating years of dedication and hard work.
Claudia Winkleman’s heartfelt response
At 53, Claudia Winkleman expressed her gratitude upon receiving the honor, dedicating it to all the teams she has collaborated with throughout her career. “I am incredibly grateful to receive this honour. So this is for the BBC, the traitors and the faithful, for pianos and for the cha cha.
I will buy a hat and am taking my mum. I’m ridiculously lucky and will celebrate with Tess by doing a paso doble,” she stated, showcasing her characteristic humor and charm.
Winkleman, who studied the history of art at Cambridge University, has built a versatile career in broadcasting. From hosting Comic Relief to The Great British Sewing Bee, her range is impressive. She joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2004 and took on the role of co-host alongside Tess in 2014 after the departure of Sir Bruce Forsyth. More recently, she has been at the helm of the popular BBC game show The Traitors, where her performance earned her a BAFTA for best entertainment in 2023.
Tess Daly’s surprising honor
Meanwhile, Tess Daly, 56, shared her astonishment at receiving the MBE. She described it as “the greatest surprise” of her life, noting that the notification letter had almost gone astray, sent to the wrong address. “This genuinely came as the greatest surprise of my life. I don’t think I’ve come back down to earth yet,” she told the PA News Agency. “Thank goodness, someone very kind found me. And so by the time I got it, I only had, I think it was two or three days left to accept it. There’s a deadline of acceptance. I can’t imagine not ever wanting to accept such a wonderful award. But of course, I did.”
Her candid reaction was heartfelt: “I cried when I opened the letter because I just couldn’t believe it. The first thing I wanted to do was tell my dad, because I lost my dad many years ago, and I know how proud he would have been. I would love to have shared that news with him more than anything.”
A journey through television
Tess has been a central figure on Strictly Come Dancing since its inception in 2004, transitioning from a modeling career to television in 1999 with her debut on The Big Breakfast. Her portfolio includes hosting a variety of shows, from Home On Their Own to National Television Awards coverage, cementing her reputation in the industry.
Working alongside Bruce Forsyth for years, she later partnered with Claudia to form the first all-female prime-time presenting duo on the show. Together, they celebrated Strictly’s 20th anniversary in 2023 and earned a BAFTA TV Award for best entertainment program in 2024.
Commitment beyond the screen
Outside of Strictly, both presenters have made their mark in charitable work. Tess has co-hosted BBC Children in Need and produced a documentary on the history of broadcasting in Manchester. She, alongside her husband Vernon Kay, has supported Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity since 2007. In 2023, she also released a lifestyle book titled 4 Steps: To A Happier, Healthier You, sharing insights into well-being.
Reflecting on two decades in broadcasting, Tess remarked, “I love that for the last 20 years our only agenda has been joy. It’s just feel-good entertainment, and being a part of that has felt like a gift.” A sentiment that resonates with many viewers who have followed their journey through the ups and downs of the entertainment industry.
As both Claudia and Tess continue to make waves in broadcasting, their MBE honors serve as a testament to their hard work and dedication. What’s next for these two icons? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure—their journey is far from over.
