The One Show viewers divided as Tess Daly and Vernon Kay host together for the first time in 20 years

Tess Daly made her 2026 presenting debut on The One Show last night (February 25) alongside husband Vernon Kay, which marked her first television role since leaving Strictly.

Last year, after 23 seasons, Tess walked away from the hit BBC dancing competition show with iconic co-host Claudia Winkleman.

In January, while remaining tight-lipped, the 56-year-old mum of two teased that she had some projects already in the works, and it seems The One Show was one of them.
Tess made her 2026 presenting debut last night (Credit: BBC)

Tess Daly and Vernon Kay on The One Show

In 2013, Tess was a guest presenter on The One Show. Fast forward 13 years, and she returned with hubby Vernon.

Not only did it mark her first TV gig since Strictly, but it was the first time they had hosted anything in 20 years.

At the beginning of the show, Vernon explained that Alex Jones and Roman Kemp were absent due to their visit to Windsor Castle.

“But don’t worry, look what we have here!” he continued, stating: “Someone I know who will definitely keep me in check. It’s TV royalty, Tess Daily!”

Tess said she was “thrilled” to be presenting and revealed the “stellar” line-up ahead: Jessie Buckley, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Luke Thompson and Yerin Ha.

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TV Guide reached out to Tess’s reps surrounding her future on the show, and they shared: “We loved having Tess on the sofa last night and whilst there’s no current plans, we’d be delighted to welcome her back in the future.”
Viewers were divided by Tess on the show (Credit: BBC)

‘I turned the telly over’

Viewers were quick to respond to Tess’s first episode alongside Vernon, and it’s fair to say they were divided.

“She’s so wooden, it was the same on Strictly,” one user wrote on Facebook.

“Thought she looked a bit embarrassed about it all,” another person shared.

“I turned the telly over when I saw them,” a third insisted.

“Didn’t take her long to muscle in,” a fourth said.

‘Tess was a real natural’

Meanwhile, many were pleased to see the duo on their screens.

“Thought Tess was a good fit and Vernon always has a good relaxed interviewing style. Be good to see them present together again and always interesting when it’s a real-life couple,” one insisted.

“Well done Tess and Vernon, it was brilliant. Tess was a real natural interviewing, I hope she continues to do so, a joy to watch,” another insisted.

“So lovely to see Tess and Vernon presenting together, PLEASE can we have more of it!” a third expressed.