Tess Daly returns to the broadcaster with Vernon Kay on The One Show after Strictly exit

tess daly made a surprise return to television on Wednesday, February 25, joining her husband Vernon Kay to present an edition of The One Show — her first appearance on the programme since stepping down from the long-running dance show. The move comes just months after her departure from Strictly Come Dancing, ending a remarkable 21-year role on the dance programme.

Tess Daly's surprise One Show return

The presenter, 56, sat alongside Vernon Kay for the Wednesday edition, marking the first time the married couple had co-hosted the same show in almost two decades. The return was framed as a one-night presenting spot, with the line-up adjusted for the evening.

Vernon Kay's on-air announcement and the altered line-up

Vernon opened the programme by welcoming viewers and explaining that the usual presenters were absent because they were at Windsor Castle filming the broadcaster's 500 Words project. He introduced Tess as a guest host who would keep him "in check, " and the studio responded with enthusiastic applause. Tess described the programme as a "special show" before previewing the evening's guests.

Guests, choreography chat and an unclear credit

The pair were joined by a strong guest list, including Jessie Buckley, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Bridgerton actors Luke Thompson and Yerin Ha. During conversation, questions about dancing and choreography came up in relation to the film The Bride; it is unclear in the provided context whose upcoming film The Bride is.

Viewer reaction and social buzz

Viewers were quick to respond online. Reactions ranged from delight at seeing the duo back together to surprise that Tess was appearing on television outside of Strictly. Comments noted how radiant she looked and remarked that it felt "very weird" to see her on a different show now she has left the dance programme.

How the couple met and the Strictly farewell

The broadcast also prompted reflection on the presenters' shared past. Vernon and Tess first met when they were both up-and-coming presenters: Vernon on Channel 4's T4 and Tess fronting SMTV on ITV's Saturday mornings. They began their relationship after meeting on T4, eventually marrying in 2003; Vernon introduced Tess on-air as his wife of 22 years during the return show.

Tess Daly's exit from Strictly and the farewell message

Tess and Claudia Winkleman confirmed last October that they would leave Strictly after hosting together for more than a decade. In a joint statement they said hosting the show had been an "absolute dream, " that they had always planned to leave together, and that the timing felt right. They pledged gratitude to the broadcaster and every person working on the production, acknowledged they would cry when saying the final "keep dancing, " and joked they would continue to say it to each other at home "possibly in tracksuit bottoms while holding some pizza. "

Final moments and royal praise

The final Glitterball winners were footballer Karen Carney and Carlos Gu. During that final, a message was read out to Tess and Claudia by Craig Revel Horwood from Queen Camilla, praising their partnership, the warmth and joy they brought to the show, and urging them to "keep dancing"; the presenters were visibly moved and there were audible gasps when it was revealed that the message had come from the Queen.

What remains uncertain and immediate context

• It is Tess's first time back on the broadcaster since her final appearance as Strictly host during the show's Christmas special.
• The couple had not presented together for around 20 years prior to this February 25 broadcast.
• The replacements for Tess and Claudia on Strictly are yet to be revealed; one name said to be a strong contender is The One Show presenter Alex Jones.
• The One Show airs weekdays at 7pm on the channel, and this edition was broadcast on February 25.

tess daly's short-term return alongside Vernon Kay has prompted fan reaction and raised fresh questions about her next steps after a long association with the dance programme; details about any future roles remain unclear in the provided context.