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Tess Daly: Behind-the-scenes on Strictly and looking forward to Children In Need

Guest writer Tess Daly talks about the drama at this weekend's Strictly Come Dancing and her plans for Children In Need.

This weekend on Strictly it was an all-girl team in front of house with myself and Claudia Winkleman standing in for Brucie who'd booked the week off for a little R&R.

It was the cruelest cut of all for the lovely Dave Myers and partner Karen as they went head to head in the dance off with Mark Benson and his partner Iveta. Did you see Iveta’s gold cat suit?! That was surely a ratings winner alone! Blimey it was brave, but she certainly has the body to carry it off!

Dave was voted off the show a week before we travel to Blackpool where this Saturday the show comes live from the iconic Tower Ballroom.

There was also plenty of drama OFF the dance floor when poor Natalie Gumede was taken ill on the day and was unable to dance on the night.

She fainted twice during rehearsals. When she fainted during the dress rehearsal and I was seated only a few feet away and it was actually really shocking to witness. She was dancing full pelt during an incredibly energetic jive at the time (the jive being probably the most physically demanding dance of them all).

She literally collapsed in a heap, legs twisted the wrong way under her with her head thrown right back and her eyes rolling. Luckily her professional partner Artem was on hand quick as a flash to catch her and break her fall.

[Tess Daly: Spooky Strictly, Bonfire night and a new addition to our family!]
[Tess Daly: Half term, Halloween and the benefits of Strictly]


She was immediately attended by on-set medics. Lets just hope that she’s back to full health and on her dancing feet very soon.

Its a big deal for all of the cast getting the chance to dance at Blackpool as it’s the spiritual home of ballroom dancing. Taking such a huge show like Strictly on the road is a massive production and everyone is really looking forward to it.

As a Northerner going to Blackpool is like going home for me. I spent many a seaside weekend there as a child!

On Saturday’s show we will have some of the country’s top ballroom dancers performing, the brilliant JLS and of course some sensational routines from our pros too. It’s set to be the biggest party on television with sticks of rock and kiss me quick hats all round!

Claudia and I have already requested (to no avail so far) that we ride in on donkeys for the results show (WAY less scary than that broomstick for Halloween although probably a LOT more unpredictable!).

The pressure may now be on to stay in the competition but that doesn't stop all the fun, camaraderie and banter that goes on backstage. You’ve got the boys; Ben, Ashley, Patrick and Brendan winding each other up with endless practical jokes (from wedgies to tying shoelaces together).

The girls are great mates too. Constantly cheering each other on and admiring each others show stopping costumes and stunning hair and make up. Lisa Armstrong (who also happens to be Mrs Ant Mcpartlin) does a stellar job of running the make up department.

Aside from Strictly, this week I'm also busy with the BBC's longest running fundraising telethon Children In Need. Last year we raised £26.7 million on the night alone for disadvantaged children right here in the UK.



For the big live show on Friday night (7.30pm, BBC1) I get to team up with my other favourite on screen right hand man, Sir Terry Wogan. What a total gent he is, and it’s such fun working with him too!

[Tess Daly: Strictly, 8 Out Of 10 Cats and Disney Princesses]
[Tess Daly: Bonding on Strictly and the Dummy Fairy]


My daughters are most excited about One Direction performing on the night. I'm really looking forward to the entire proceedings as the line up promises to be the best yet. I particularly can’t wait for a spectacular medley from the cast of the smash hit stage musical Matilda.

There are tons of special fundraising events going on all this week prior to Fridays big live show and I'm helping present ‘The One Show’ on Wednesday while the lovely Alex Jones is on the road taking part in The Rickshaw Challenge. It’s raised an admirable £3.5 million for Children In Need since starting 3 years ago so keep pedaling Alex!

You can get involved by donating to BBC.co.uk/childreninneed

Keeeeeeep giving! Hahah!

See you next week.

Love from 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!