Tess Daly dances on Strictly's stage, calls it worse than childbirth
- Tess Daly, co-host of Strictly Come Dancing, has only danced once on the show during a charity special in 2008.
- In that performance, she was paired with Anton Du Beke, and they scored 36 points, surpassing competitor Terry Wogan.
- Despite her success, Tess admitted that the experience was more nerve-wracking than giving birth, highlighting her fear of dancing in front of an audience.
Since 2004, Tess Daly has been a prominent figure on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, serving as the show's co-host alongside Claudia Winkleman. However, it wasn't until 2008, during a Children in Need charity special, that Tess made her only appearance on the dance floor. Partnered with professional dancer Anton Du Beke, she showcased her skills in an American smooth dance to Shirley Bassey's 'Hey Big Spender,' drawing cheers from the audience. The performance was crucial, not just as a display of capability, but also in raising funds for the charity. Throughout the routine, Tess wore an elegant long white dress, receiving adoration as she was lifted by Anton. The performance was well-received, earning Tess a score of 36 points, besting competitor Terry Wogan, who scored 29 points. Despite her scored success, Tess conveyed her fear of public performance, revealing that this experience was even more stressful than giving birth. Her comments underline the intense pressure that celebrities face when performing on live television. Previous statements indicate her admiration for the Argentine tango as a dance style she'd love to master, though she acknowledged her struggle with it. Ultimately, the singular experience serves both as a testament to her bravery in stepping into a dancing role and illustrates the unique pressures faced by television personalities stepping outside of their comfort zones for charity events.