Tess Daly is reportedly set to launch a radio career with Magic Radio, marking her first role since leaving Strictly Come Dancing in 2025 after 21 years. The move would see her follow in the footsteps of her ex-husband Vernon Kay, who hosts a daytime show on BBC Radio 2, and former Strictly contestant Fleur East, who has a breakfast show on Hits Radio.
New Radio Role for Tess
A source told The Sun: "Tess is loved by millions of Strictly fans across the country. She has a trusted voice and bosses are keen to give her a prime slot at the station." The prime slot could potentially put her in direct competition with Vernon, who hosts BBC Radio 2's mid-morning show from 9:30am, a role he took over from Ken Bruce in 2023.
Ken Bruce now hosts on Greatest Hits Radio, owned by Bauer Media Audio UK, the same company that owns Magic Radio and Hits Radio. Former Strictly and It Takes Two host Zoe Ball also recently joined Greatest Hits Radio as a weekday presenter.
From TV to Radio
Tess, 57, began her television career in 1999 on Channel 4's The Big Breakfast hosting the "Find Me A Model" competition. She later hosted the National Television Awards coverage for ITV2 in 2002 and took over for Ulrika Jonsson on the makeover show Home On Their Own.
Her biggest break came in 2004 when she joined Bruce Forsyth to host the BBC's new dance show, Strictly Come Dancing. She remained on the show until 2025, leaving alongside co-host Claudia Winkleman. Claudia now hosts The Claudia Winkleman Show on BBC, while Emma Willis, Josh Widdecombe, and former Strictly pro Johannes Radebe have taken over as hosts of the dance competition.
The Mirror contacted Tess Daly's representatives and Bauer Media Audio UK for comment.
