Strictly Come Dancing presenter Tess Daly was left utterly lost for words during Saturday night's live show after contestant La Voix made a hilarious quip about her recent MBE honour and an impending P45.
A Night of High Drama and Humour
The eighth week of the BBC competition saw the remaining couples vying for a coveted spot in the prestigious Blackpool special. The evening culminated with a show-stopping performance from La Voix and her professional dance partner, Aljaž Škorjanec. Their Couple's Choice routine, set to Barbra Streisand's iconic 'Don't Rain On My Parade', brought the audience to its feet.
As the pair made their way to host Tess Daly for the post-dance critique, La Voix seized the moment to address a significant event from Daly's week. On Wednesday, the 56-year-old presenter had been honoured by King Charles at Windsor Castle, where she received an MBE for her services to broadcasting and charity. She dedicated the accolade to her late father, Vivian, who passed away in 2003.
The Joke That Stole the Show
"Can we have a moment please? Tess Daly MBE," La Voix announced to the studio. As the audience erupted into applause, a modest Tess replied, "That's very kind, thank you La Voix."
La Voix continued, "I'm so proud of you. P45 and an MBE in one month, you're having a hell of an autumn aren't you? Oh gosh." The witty remark, referencing both the royal honour and the recent announcement that Tess and co-host Claudia Winkleman will be stepping down at the end of the series, left Tess in a fit of laughter and momentarily speechless. The studio audience roared with amusement, forcing Tess to quickly call upon head judge Shirley Ballas to get the show back on track.
Behind the Scenes: The Search for New Hosts
The joke landed with particular resonance given the breaking news about the show's future. Earlier this month, Tess and Claudia sent shockwaves through the Strictly fandom by revealing they would be departing after the current series. This weekend, it was reported that one of the BBC's most senior executives, Suzy Lamb, is championing Paddy McGuinness to replace Claudia Winkleman.
According to sources, Ms. Lamb, the Managing Director of BBC Studios who previously worked with McGuinness on ITV's Take Me Out, believes his light-hearted style is a "perfect fit" for interviewing the contestants. However, the suggestion has reportedly caused consternation among some BBC colleagues, who feel the innuendo-laden nature of his previous show is at odds with Strictly's cherished status as a "national treasure".
A BBC Studios spokesman has since denied that any such conversation about McGuinness taking the role took place. Other names being touted as potential replacements include Holly Willoughby, Zoe Ball, Alex Jones, and Bradley Walsh, setting the stage for a major presenting shake-up for the beloved dance competition.
