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Tess Daly: Meeting Oprah Winfrey, Strictly in Blackpool and Christmas shopping!

Tess Daly talks about how she met Oprah Winfrey, how much she enjoyed taking Strictly on the road and starting her Christmas shopping early.

What a week last week was!

On Wednesday I co-hosted ‘The One Show’ with the lovely Matt Baker for Children In Need and boy what a show to present! That night we had Oprah on the sofa, ‘THE’ OPRAH WINFREY! I was truly honoured to meet her as It was incredible to talk to the woman who is globally recognised for the inspiring work she does. Wow.



Off camera she talked about her love of shopping while here in the UK and was particularly looking forward to going antique shopping for the new home she's been renovating for the past year and a half. With a new worth estimated at $2.9 billion why the heck not?!

[Tess Daly: A DRAMATIC Strictly and my Children In Need plans]
[Tess Daly: Spooky Strictly, Bonfire night and a new addition to our family!]


We also had the fabulous Daniel Radcliffe on the show talking about his new film ‘Kill Your Darlings’ and he sweetly told me that it he hadn't been that nervous (doing live TV) for years! You would never have noticed.

I presented the Children In Need appeal night along with Sir Terry Wogan, Nick Grimshaw, Fearne Cotton and Zoe Ball and the total amount raised by all you fabulous lot was just mind blowing - £31 MILLION POUNDS! After meetings with a few of the children who benefit from the funds raised on the night I can testify that the money goes a long way to help children who need it most. 

On the night I met the most gorgeous little girl called Darcey who, after suffering from leukaemia, is now thankfully in remission. She was with her twin brother Harrison who told me that she's Strictly's number one fan and is actually named after strictly judge Darcey Bussel. So we devised a plan that I was going to do a special secret signal for her on the show. I'd point my finger at the camera during the opening and with over 11 million people watching, I did indeed do just that. Hope you saw it Darcey!

One Direction flew back from their world tour to perform for Children in Need and Harry told us that they have watched the appeal since they were kids and wouldn't miss it for anything. Nice work lads.

This week Strictly went to Blackpool where actress Fiona Fullerton became the latest celeb to leave the show. The judges were clearly in holiday spirit dishing out plenty of perfect ‘10’s on the night and Natalie Gumede was back on sparkling form after falling ill last week. She joint topped the leader board with new contender for the crown: Susanna Reid.

[Tess Daly: Half term, Halloween and the benefits of Strictly]
[Tess Daly: Strictly, 8 Out Of 10 Cats and Disney Princesses]


Those hard working and JLS boys provided even more entertainment having been at Ellstree the day before to perform on Children in Need.



So what's in store for this week? Well, as I am an ambassador for the amazing L'Oreal, this week I am doing some exciting top secret activity with them which will be great fun! I’ll tell you when I can!

I’m also off to Limerick in Ireland later in the week to host a fashion show and of course preparing for another wonderful week in the Strictly ballroom.

On the home front, as Christmas is fast approaching, it's time for the girls school Christmas fair. It’s the perfect place to stock up on goodies without the shop queues! We also have the advent calendars on standby and I must confess that I’ve already started buying Christmas decorations!

The shopping has begun but what with such a busy couple of weeks it's been mostly online! Phoebe wants a lifelike cuddly monkey that talks and Amber is desperate for princess dress up clothes... all I want is a rest! Haha!

What’s on your Christmas list readers?

Lots of love, Tess Xxx

Read more from guest writer Tess Daly:

Tess Daly: Back To School, Back To Strictly
Tess Daly: Sneaking in their five-a-day and meeting Prince Harry
Tess Daly: After school fun and all the gossip from Strictly

Tess Daly: I can’t wait to be reunited with my Strictly BFF!

Tess Daly: Missing Bruce on Strictly, laughing with Alan Carr and the awkward reproduction chat!
Tess Daly: Bonding on Strictly and the Dummy Fairy
Tess Daly: Strictly, 8 Out Of 10 Cats and Disney Princesses
Tess Daly: Half term, Halloween and the benefits of Strictly
Tess Daly: Spooky Strictly, Bonfire night and a new addition to our family!
Tess Daly: A DRAMATIC Strictly and my Children In Need plans