Former Strictly Star Reveals Tess Daly's Unseen Support Role
Former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Alex Kingston has revealed a crucial aspect of Tess Daly's hosting role that most viewers never see. The Doctor Who star, who competed in the last series with professional dancer Johannes Radebe, explained how Daly provides essential emotional support to contestants immediately after their performances.
The Grounding Bridge Between Dance and Critique
Speaking on the Experience Is Everything podcast, Kingston described the disorienting moment when a dance ends. "When you dance, the minute the dance stops, my head was just empty. You're sort of in a collective shock," she explained. "Tess grabs your hand and holds and asks if you're okay and tells you what a wonderful dance it is."
Kingston emphasised that Daly's role extends far beyond what appears on camera. "She keeps holding your hand and she's this incredible grounding bridge between you and the critiques of the judges. She looks at you in a way that just centres you and it's something that not all people can do. And she's genuine."
Dual Hosting Legacy and Future Speculation
The revelation comes as BBC bosses continue their search for new presenters following Daly and Claudia Winkleman's departure at the end of the last series. The pair hosted their final show on Christmas Day, ending a decade-long partnership that began when Winkleman joined permanently in 2015 following Sir Bruce Forsyth's retirement.
Kingston also praised Winkleman's unique contribution to the show, particularly her creation of the "Clauditorium" segment. "Claudia, she created the Clauditorium, what are we going to call it after Claudia leaves? She's brilliant at conversing and has that very dry wit, she can bring the humour out in people."
The actress went on to suggest that two female presenters should take over the hosting roles later this year. While not naming specific individuals, she hinted at candidates with initials "ZB" and "CD or KD," sparking speculation among Strictly fans.
BBC's Extensive Presenter Search
In December, reports emerged that BBC executives had conducted chemistry tests with numerous potential presenters. Among those reportedly considered are:
- The Chase star Bradley Walsh
- The One Show's Alex Jones
- Comedian Alan Carr
- Former BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball
- Television personalities Holly Willoughby, Amanda Holden, Alison Hammond and Angela Scanlon
- Broadcasters Rylan Clark and Rob Rinder
A television insider told The Mirror: "It could be two women or two men paired, or a mix. They will ultimately choose whoever has the best chemistry in each partnership."
Zoe Ball, who presented Strictly's companion show It Takes Two for nine series, remains among the favourites for the main presenting role. She left her BBC Radio 2 show in December, with Emma Willis taking over her slot.
End of an Era for Strictly Come Dancing
Tess Daly had presented Strictly Come Dancing since its launch in 2004, making her departure particularly significant for the long-running BBC flagship programme. In an Instagram video following her final show, Daly described Strictly as "one of the greatest joys and privileges of my career."
Winkleman offered her own perspective on leaving, stating: "It's best to leave a party before you're fully ready to go." Their departure marks the end of a distinctive era for one of British television's most successful entertainment formats.
As the BBC continues its search for new hosts, Kingston's insights reveal the depth of skill and emotional intelligence required for the presenting roles that extend far beyond what viewers see during broadcast. The combination of Daly's supportive presence and Winkleman's comedic timing created a hosting partnership that will prove challenging to replace.
