**Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly Set to Receive Honours in King’s Birthday List**
Television presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, familiar faces to millions as the duo at the helm of BBC’s beloved Strictly Come Dancing, are reportedly due to be recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours. The anticipated honours list, which will be officially announced on Friday, is expected to pay tribute to a host of notable personalities, but it is the inclusion of Winkleman and Daly that has especially caught the attention of entertainment fans and industry observers.
The long-serving pair have co-presented Strictly Come Dancing together since 2014, guiding the programme through a decade of dramatic competitions, emotional stories, and glitter-filled Saturday nights. According to reports by The Daily Mail, both will be acknowledged for their significant contributions to entertainment, joining a select group to be officially celebrated by the Crown.
Claudia Winkleman, aged 53, is not just known for her iconic fringe and witty repartee on Strictly. In recent years, she has also found success hosting the hit psychological gameshow The Traitors, for which she was awarded the prestigious Entertainment Performance Bafta in 2023. Her broadcasting career has been multifaceted, including lengthy stints at BBC Radio 2. Over nearly two decades on radio, Winkleman hosted a variety of shows, such as the comedy-quiz programme Hot Gossip and her own Sunday edition, further cementing her place in British broadcasting.
Tess Daly, now 56, has been a fixture of Strictly Come Dancing since its inception in 2004. She initially presented alongside the much-loved Sir Bruce Forsyth until his departure in 2014, at which point Winkleman became her co-host. Daly’s career also spans modelling and presenting, and her connection to the nation’s heart was further evident when she participated in the 2008 Strictly Children in Need special — claiming victory with professional dancer Anton Du Beke.
The commendation of Winkleman and Daly in the honours list comes at a challenging time for the Strictly Come Dancing team. The show, whilst continuing its reign as one of the BBC’s flagship programmes, has recently faced a barrage of scrutiny due to various controversies. Allegations surrounding inappropriate behaviour have been reported, implicating both contestants and professional dancers, thus adding an unexpected layer of complexity to the show’s public narrative.
Most recently, attention was drawn to EastEnders actor James Borthwick, who was suspended by the BBC after video footage surfaced in which he was allegedly heard using a derogatory disabled slur on set. While incidents such as these have cast a temporary shadow, the show overall remains a mainstay of Saturday night viewing, attracting strong audiences and widespread affection.
Further controversy earlier this year involved professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, following accusations from former contestant Amanda Abbington about alleged bullying. Pernice denied engaging in any threatening or abusive conduct, and welcomed the partial findings of a BBC review which upheld ‘some but not all’ of the complaints. This ongoing turbulence has inevitably placed the show and its personnel under heightened scrutiny.
Amidst these challenges, Strictly has continued to win high-profile admirers. Queen Camilla is amongst its supporters, frequently expressing enthusiasm for the programme and even describing herself as one of its ‘greatest fans’. Her engagement with the world of dance — as a participant in Silver Swans, ballet classes for older learners run by the Royal Academy of Dance — further demonstrates the cross-generational appeal of the show.
The King’s Birthday Honours list is expected to recognise a range of influential figures this year. Among them, former England footballer and international icon David Beckham is also rumoured to receive a knighthood, two decades after being awarded his OBE.
While the official announcements are still to come, the reported inclusion of Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly underscores the impact the duo have had on British entertainment culture, not merely as presenters, but as constants in the lives of viewers during times of both delight and controversy. Their recognition in this year’s honours list is likely to be warmly received by the public and stands as a testament to their enduring professionalism and popularity.