Tess DalyTess Daly: Strictly, 8 Out Of 10 Cats and Disney Princesses
What with Strictly and getting to hang out with Disney Princesses, my four-year-old is now convinced that her mum has quite possibly THE best job in the world!
It was great excitement all round last week when meeting one of my daughter’s idols, the Princess from ‘Tangled’ (AKA the modern day re worked version of Rapunzel) at the launch of Disney’s On Ice Christmas show ‘Dare To Dream’.
This wasn’t the first time our paths had crossed, mind. Our last meeting with the Princess took place over 4000 miles away at Disneyworld in Orlando. We made the trip to mark Amber’s fourth birthday and queued up for HOURS to meet her - but it was well worth it! The Disney Princesses are like rock stars to kids. Ask any parent with young girls and they'll tell you the same.
Over at Strictly on the weekend, it was a case of third week unlucky for fashion designer Julien Macdonald. His outfit was incredible and he loved the fact he was wearing more crystals than anyone else in Strictly’s history. We'll certainly miss his sparkle!
The rest of the celebs taking part are having a ball in the ballroom. Newsroom beauty Susanna Reid told me she's having the time of her life learning to dance and Dave Myers and Deborah Meaden said they are fitter than ever before.
Funnily enough, the gorgeous Abbey Clancy is possibly the only star we have EVER had take part who has actually put weight ON!! She told me that all the training has made her lovely long legs a LOT more muscular – even to the point where she can't get into her usual skinny jeans!
The dancing on Saturday was of such a high standard at such an early stage in the competition that I can’t wait to see what's in store this weekend.
This week I'm busy juggling work and home life (nothing new there then!). On the work front I'm looking forward to shooting the cover of a well-known women’s magazine (I can’t tell you yet!). Photo shoots are generally a lot of fun and you feel pretty well pampered by the end of it. It’s like a day at the spa compared to the hectic pace of a live television studio!
[Tess Daly: Bonding on Strictly and the Dummy Fairy]
[Tess Daly: Missing Bruce on Strictly, laughing with Alan Carr and the awkward reproduction chat!]
I get to learn lots of tricks of the trade working with top hair and make up artists and I can play dress up with lots of fabulous frocks and the likes! What's not to love?
On Wednesday I'm spending the evening with Jimmy Carr and friends filming an episode of one of my favourite TV shows, ‘8 Out Of 10 Cats’, and later in the week I'm planning on getting into the Christmas spirit (very) early and filming a festive TV promo. I'm expecting to be knee deep in faux snow, mince pies and tinsel - bring it on!
Meanwhile on the home front, we've been busy planning the kids costumes for Halloween next week. Thankfully this year the 31st falls in the half term, which means a late night of trick or treating is definitely on the cards!
I've spotted some wickedly good fancy dress buys. I’ve bagged myself a diamanté encrusted pumpkin headbands already! Even before I’ve sorted the kids out!
[Tess Daly: I can’t wait to be reunited with my Strictly BFF!]
[Tess Daly: After school fun and all the gossip from Strictly]
I'm enlisting the help of the children to plan what we are having for dinner this week since they both enjoy helping out with the cooking. I asked them to concoct a menu of their favourite meals for us to prepare together.
When it comes to mealtimes kids can be notoriously picky eaters and my two are no different. To make mealtimes more fun for the little ones (and less stressful for their mum) I try to make their food look as appealing as possible. I'll get creative.
To get them eating their five-a-day I'll fashion faces out of raw fruit and veg, in their meals I’ll make mountains out of mash, rivers of gravy and yummy broccoli ‘trees’ to go with their roast chicken! Whatever it takes to get a clean plate!
This weekend, aside from the dancing we've got THREE children’s birthday parties to look forward too. We’ve got a pottery making party, ice skating and bowling. Phew! The kids have a more exciting social life than we do!
Hope your week’s a good one!
Love from Tess Xxxxx
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
