Tess Daly, who co-hosted Strictly Come Dancing for over two decades, has yet to announce a major television comeback since stepping back from the show in autumn 2024. In contrast, former co-host Claudia Winkleman quickly secured a new chat show and an extension for The Traitors. However, celebrity PR expert Kayley Cornelius suggests Daly's hiatus may be a strategic move toward more lucrative opportunities.
Social Media and Brand Ventures
Kayley Cornelius, speaking to Slingo to mark the launch of its online bingo caller tool, said: "While Claudia Winkleman was quick to announce her next TV projects after leaving Strictly, Tess Daly has taken a very different approach, and I don't think that's by accident. During her time on Strictly, Tess built up a hugely loyal and engaged fanbase that has put her in a strong position to shape this next chapter of her career on her own terms."
Cornelius highlighted that Daly's nearly one million social media followers could generate significant income through sponsored posts. "A single sponsored post for a brand could easily command a five-figure fee per post. That means she may only need to post around ten to fifteen sponsored posts a year to roughly match what she was earning from Strictly," she said.
Fashion Label and Business Empire
Daly is also building her own fashion label, NAIA, which is already appearing in high-street retailers. Cornelius noted: "With her brand, NAIA, already starting to land in high-street retailers, she could eventually be turning over hundreds of thousands as a successful entrepreneur alone."
Cornelius believes Daly's social media presence is central to her business growth. "When you look at the bigger picture, with Tess building her own fashion label and wider business empire, her social media presence is likely to be at the heart of that growth," she added.
Potential TV Comeback
Despite her focus on digital ventures, Cornelius predicts Daly will return to screens. "Further down the line, we could see her take on smaller presenting roles, particularly in the fashion space, or host specialist segments on morning TV and radio," she said. "That would also give her the flexibility to continue growing the wellness and lifestyle brand she appears to be carefully curating for herself."
Cornelius also suggested a possible appearance on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!. "I wouldn't be surprised if she's already being considered as a strong contender for the I'm a Celeb jungle later this year. A trip down under would only enhance her brand," she said, citing examples like Coleen Rooney and GK Barry who thrived after the show.
Financial Outlook
Cornelius concluded: "All of these small gigs can quickly add up, and they could ultimately see Tess earning more than ever before!"
