Strictly Come Dancing fans know Tess Daly as the glamorous host who has graced our screens for two decades, but her career path could have taken a dramatically different turn.
In a revealing new interview, the BBC star has opened up about the surprising profession she nearly pursued before finding television fame.
The Road Not Taken
"I was very academic at school and was considering becoming a barrister," Daly confessed. The 55-year-old presenter revealed she had seriously contemplated a career in law, a far cry from the glitterball world of Strictly.
Her educational background certainly supported this ambition, with Daly describing herself as a dedicated student who focused heavily on her studies during her formative years.
From Courtroom to Dance Floor
The transition from potential barrister to television personality began when Daly was discovered by a modelling scout at just 17 years old. This unexpected opportunity set her on an entirely different trajectory.
"I was spotted by a model scout and it went from there," she explained. This chance encounter led to modelling work and eventually to her television career, including her iconic role alongside Claudia Winkleman on Strictly Come Dancing.
A Perfect Partnership
Daly also reflected on her successful professional relationship with co-host Claudia Winkleman, describing their dynamic as "yin and yang." She praised their complementary presenting styles that have become a hallmark of the popular dance competition.
"We're very different but it works," Daly noted, emphasising how their contrasting approaches create the perfect balance for the show's format.
After 20 years at the helm of one of Britain's most beloved television programmes, it's clear that Daly made the right career choice - even if it wasn't the one she originally envisioned.
