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Tess Daly has been part of the BBC show since it first aired in 2004 (Image: Instagram )
Strictly Come Dancing presenter Tess Daly was left emotional after being awarded a Guinness World Record for her role as the longest-serving host of the beloved BBC dance competition.
The 56 year old presenter is gearing up to say goodbye to Strictly alongside co-host Claudia Winkleman following an extraordinary 21-year tenure.
Tess has been a constant presence on the programme since it first aired in 2004, initially sharing hosting responsibilities with the late Bruce Forsyth.
Sir Bruce, who died in 2017, presented alongside Tess until stepping down in 2013, when Claudia took over. During a recent visit to The One Show with presenters Clara Amfo and Alex Jones, they were joined by Will, a Guinness World Records representative, who shared the remarkable announcement.
He declared: “No Tess, you have achieved the Guinness World Record title for the longest-serving host of the same dance competition TV show for 21 years and 216 days.”, reports Wales Online.
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Tess appeared stunned by the revelation, responding: “No way! I think my kids might finally think I’m cool now. That is… it’s amazing! Thank you so much.”
The One Show’s official Instagram page announced the achievement, writing: “Tess Daly is awarded the Guinness World Records title for the longest-serving host of the same dance competition TV show!”
This follows an emotional tribute during Sunday’s results show which left presenting duo Tess and Claudia visibly moved. The pair revealed in October that they would be departing as hosts of the BBC programme together, making the current series their final one.
To honour their contribution to the dancing competition, a special tribute was organised. The judging panel, comprising Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke, surprised the presenters with a heartfelt video montage showcasing their most memorable moments.
The judges gathered with Claudia in the Clauditorium for a chat before the public vote results were revealed. They subsequently invited Tess to join them, with Craig explaining that the judges wished to take this moment to pay tribute to the pair.
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Claudia and Tess will be departing the series after the Christmas special(Image: BBC)
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He remarked: “We just want to tell you how much we’re going to miss you and how much we love you to bits.”
He added with humour: “I personally, want to say thank you Clauds for the dresses and the shoes you’ve thrown my way and to you Tess, for all the pizza parties in your dressing room”.
Both Tess and Claudia appeared emotional whilst viewing a video compilation of their time on the programme, which included messages from each of the judges.
The montage also showcased clips of the two friends sharing light-hearted moments together, alongside footage of the legendary Strictly host Bruce Forsyth from his debut episode with Tess in 2004. Moved by the heartfelt tribute, Claudia shared: “We love you, we’re so lucky.”
Tess added her sentiments, stating: “You guys are like family to us, and we’ll always think that about you all. We’ve had the most amazing time.”
