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Strictly Come Dancing host Tess Daly has revealed she can sometimes tell who will win each series “from the launch show”.
Tess, 55, has presented the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing since its inception in 2004 and was initially partnered by Bruce Forsyth.
Claudia Winkleman joined the duo in 2011 and Bruce left the show after its 2013 season before passing away four years later at the age of 89.
Two decades at the helm of one of British television’s biggest shows have given Tess some special skills – not least of which is the ability to spot a winner.
She said The sun:The Class of ’24 seems like a truly exciting bunch. As a collective, I really can’t wait to see what they have in store for us.
Original Strictly Come Dancing presenter Tess Daly, 55, has revealed she can sometimes tell who will win each series “from the launch show”.
Tess (right) has presented Strictly Come Dancing since its inception in 2004 and Claudia Winkleman (pictured) joined the main show in 2011.
Two decades at the helm of one of British television’s biggest shows have given Tess some special skills – including the ability to spot a winner.
‘Sometimes I feel like I can maybe identify the winner already at the launch show, as it’s obvious that they have the complete package. However, more often than not, I’m surprised along with everyone else.
Tess concluded: “I think it takes something special and not just talent to capture the imagination of viewers and win the series. Not only do you have to have learned the dance skills necessary to showcase your talent, but you also have to have won our hearts.”
But, Claudia shared that she never has any idea who will win and enjoys savoring the “magic moment” when Tess calls out the names of the winning couple.
The Traitors host also shared that she still gets nervous when she hears the theme song and prepares to enter the studio, despite her 13 years on the show.
Strictly returns for its 22nd series on 21 September, having already been scheduled to conclude on 14 December.
There are 15 celebrities taking part in this series, including 2023 Christmas special winner Jamie Borthwick, who has said he will be balancing EastEnders and training.
Other contestants include Toyah Willcox, JLS’s JB Gill, Love Island’s Tasha Ghouri, Zara McDermott’s best friend Pete Wicks and GoCompare’s Wynne Evans.
Although their celebrity partners won’t be revealed at launch, some viewers think they have a good idea of what one of them will look like.
Tess shared: ‘Sometimes I feel like I can maybe spot the winner already at the launch show, as it’s obvious they have the full package.’
Despite a year of scandals, Strictly managed to pick up an award at Wednesday’s National Television Awards.
The Strictly team took home the Talent Show award and as Tess and Claudia went up to collect it, their colleagues looked on in shock.
What caused tension was the fact that the award was presented by former Made In Chelsea star Sam Thompson.
Sam is the boyfriend of Zara McDermott and best friend of this year’s contestant Pete, who was infamously revealed to have been abused by fellow Strictly contestant Graziano Di Prima in 2023.
STRICTLY 2024 LINEUP
Chris McCausland
Age: 46
Profession: Comedian
Chris says: “If anyone is thinking, ‘How the hell is he going to do that?’ rest assured, I’m thinking exactly the same thing.”
Dr. Punam Krishan
Age: unknown
Profession: Family doctor and announcer
Punam says: ‘I’ve watched Strictly every year and it feels even more special that it’s the 20th year, I can’t believe it’s me who’s going to be on Strictly.’
Willcox Toy Store
Age: 66
Profession: Singer, actor, presenter
Toyah says: “I’m so excited and I love this show. Being a part of it, the spray tan and the glow. It’s a landmark year for me. I came in as a retiree, went to Glasto and now I’m spray tanning.”
Pete Wicks
Age: 36
Profession: Reality star
Pete says: “Dancing live in front of the whole country every Saturday? Absolutely terrifying.”
Shayne Neighborhood
Age: 39
Profession: Actor and singer
Shayne says: ‘I’m no stranger to live television, but dancing Latin and ballroom in front of millions of people is a whole new level.’
Tom Dean
Age: 24
Profession: Olympic medal-winning swimmer
Tom says: “I can now officially talk about how excited I am to embark on something new, meet brilliant people and start dancing.”
Nick Knowles
Age: 61
Profession: TV presenter
Nick says, ‘I’m going for it. I’m going to give it 100 percent!’
Montell Douglas
Age: 38
Profession: Former Olympian for Team GB and current gladiator
Montell says: ‘I hope some of my Gladiator moves come in handy with the Tango or Paso Doble!’
JB Gill
Age: 37
Profession: Singer
JB says: “A lot of ballroom dance styles are very foreign to me. I didn’t do those dances as a kid. I’m not a professional dancer.”
Wynne Evans
Age: 52
Profession: Opera singer, presenter
Wynne says: ‘The things that make me nervous are the ones that involve jumping, I don’t really want to do the jive, I get nervous about that.
Tasha Ghouri
Age: 25
Profession: Model and reality star
Tasha says: ‘I’ve been watching the show since I was little, it’s a Ghouri family favourite so this is totally a dream come true.’
Sarah Hadland
Age: 53
Profession: Actress
Sarah says: ‘I’m particularly excited to be part of such an iconic show in its 20th year.’
Jamie Borthwick
Age: 30
Profession: EastEnders star
Jamie says: ‘I had a blast making the Christmas special, so when I was asked to take part, the easiest answer was ‘yes!’
Sam Quek
Age: 35
Profession: Former Great Britain hockey player and presenter
Sam says: “I’m so relieved that it’s out now. I’ve found it hard to keep a secret! Rumours were spreading and I had to lie. I’m used to dancing on a girls’ night out but I’m going to give it my all.”
Pablo Merson
Age: 56
Profession: Former footballer
Paul says: ‘I won’t worry until it starts, but when it does start I’ll be nervous. I’ve only danced three times in my life!’