³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ

Dubbed "'Miss Sunshine" by Bruce, co-presenter Tess Daly has brought elegance and warmth to the show since its launch in 2004.

Tess began her career travelling around the world as a model, before going on to present shows such as Children In Need and the Royal Variety Performance.

Encouraged by her family to learn ballroom as a child, Tess knows a thing or two about dancing, and she even won a special Children In Need version of the show in 2008 against Terry Wogan, in which she was partnered with Anton du Beke.

Q&A

What are you looking forward to most about this year's Strictly?
The line-up. The mix of cast and characters of celebrities we have on the show is going to be the highlight for me. It will be fascinating to see how our celebrities get on with each other and the dynamics between them this year. There is something for everyone and we have a really great mix.

Do you welcome the format changes?
Definitely. This year I am going to be front of stage in a glass booth, like the US version. I am all for new changes.

Which celebrity are you most looking forward to watching?
Patsy Kensit. She is a very beautiful woman and I think it will be good to see how she dances. I can't wait to see Ann Widdecombe, too. She is going to be very outspoken when it comes to biting back!

Do you love the rivalry on the show?
Yes! I love it when the celebrities bite back and stand up for themselves with the judges.

Do you think the judges ever step out of line?
No. They are experts in their field. I don't think they are out of line as such. For me personally, I hang on their every word because they know what they are talking about.

Have you become good friends with the professional dancers?
Absolutely, of course. I text Anton (Du Beke) and Brendan (Cole) a lot. In fact, I texted Brendan when he was on honeymoon and I keep telling him a baby is next for him! Strictly is a big family and we have been through babies, marriage, all sorts. It's great catching up with them all.

You are good friends with Bruce too. What is the best thing about working with him?
He loves to have a laugh. He takes life with a pinch of salt, and he is always looking for the joke and fun in a conversation. He is such a laugh and he really is fun to be around. He has got so much energy, and he can't keep still. Brucie lives for the laugh and that's great.

Are you looking forward to working alongside Claudia on the results programme?
I am over the moon. I love Claudia and I have told her before I am her number one fan. We are always talking about babies and frocks – and of course, the dancing. She lives and breathes it like I do. We are always texting each other during the series as to who is going to stay, go, win and our favourites. I am thrilled she is doing it as I love her to bits.

Will you be getting a brand new wardrobe?
Yes. I was thinking cocktail and modern glamour for this series – perhaps also a show of the knee! I am not allowed to get too attached though as the dresses have to go back at the end of the night! Getting dressed up is all part of the fun and it's a world away from being knee deep in nappies at home!

Do the nerves ever get the better of you?
You are not human if you don't get butterflies. Every presenter gets them. Strictly is live television, but it's exciting and anything can happen or go wrong. The adrenaline is a real thrill.

Have you ever tried to get any of your celebrity friends on the show?
I am constantly suggesting names to the producers and I have whispered in the odd friend's ear saying 'I can see you on the show'. I said that to Michael Caine as he told me he was a fan. Obviously, I told him he would be quite welcome to join us!

Is he your ideal guest?
Yes definitely! Sir Michael Caine would be a welcome addition. And Prince Charles. He has told me he is a fan of the show, too. I told him if he wanted to learn the tango, he could definitely be our guest.

And finally, is this going to be the best ever Strictly?
Yes. I reckon with the cast of characters we have got, I think this year could be the best Strictly yet.