Strictly fans floored as they discover Tess Daly's real name

Strictly Come Dancing fans have been left floored after discovering Tess Daly's real name.

The presenter, 56, announced on Thursday that she is leaving Strictly at the end of this series after hosting since 2004. 

But now a little known fact about the former model has been unearthed, which has shocked her fans. 

It turns out her name isn't Tess at all, rather she was born as Helen Elizabeth Daly.

Tess previously revealed the reason for the name change was because her agent didn't like the name Helen, so she opted for a stage name - however has never changed it on deed poll.   

She previously told the Daily Mail's Weekend magazine: 'My mum's really the only person who still calls me Helen, and that's not often. She tends to call me "love", so when she does say "Helen" it can take me a while to respond. 

'My agent was obsessed with [the actress] Nastassja Kinski at the time, who was in the film Tess, and thought I looked like her. 

'So Tess it was. I was gullible and impressionable. Mind you, two weeks later I was in Japan then travelled the world. Paris, Milan, New York.'

Fans were shocked to discover her real name, writing: 'Am I the only one who didn’t know Tess Daly's real name is Helen?! I'm creasing,';

'Just found out tess daly's real name is helen and I fear my whole life has changed,'; 

'Today years old when I learned Tess Daly's real name is Helen tbf she does seem like a Helen,';

'Did you know that Tess Daly’s real name is Helen? "Tess" is just the name she goes by professionally,';

'Just found out Tess Daly's real name is Helen, my whole life has been a lie,'; 'Tess Daly's real name is Helen and your whole life is also a lie.'

The BBC are said to be 'sticking with all female Strictly hosting duo' after it was revealed Tess and Claudia Winkleman decided to leave 'last year'.

The current hosts, who have fronted the show together since 2014, announced their departure in an emotional social media video to fans on Thursday.

Some of the top names in TV have already had their hat thrown into the ring for the primetime gig, which will begin at the start of the next series in 2026. 

Sources are saying the broadcaster could 'opt for two more women' but should also consider what the series 'should look and feel like' in the future. 

Tess and Claudia are thought to have told bosses about their decision to leave last November, which has been kept firmly under-wraps until now. 

A source told The Sun: 'What is more certain is the fact that execs are expected to opt for two more women, because the Beeb value the symbolism of an all-female presenting team on their biggest Saturday night show.'

In a separate update, the insider added: 'They discussed this privately and agreed they would walk away together, but kept it firmly under wraps. 

'It’s incredible they’ve managed to keep it a secret for so long. Only the top brass at the BBC knew, along with their immediate family.' 

The Daily Mail contacted the BBC for comment at the time.  

But names to replace the hosting duo are already being suggested, with Zoe Ball, Holly Willoughby, Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton among the front runners.

Other names who have been mentioned so far include Roman Kemp, former Strictly pro Janette Manara and former contestant Alex Scott.

TV and radio veteran Zoe is one of the biggest names to be tipped as the new host of the BBC dancing competition.

The mother of two would make a natural fit for the gig as she is well acquainted with the show thanks to her old presenting role on its spin-off, It Takes Two. 

She is currently the 2-1 favourite to take on the role after Tess and Claudia leave the show, according to Coral Bookmakers.

Coral's John Hill, said: 'Zoe Ball is no stranger to the Strictly family, and we make the former It Takes Two host the favourite to replace Tess Daly next year.'

Following the shock announcement, Holly (2-1) is another household name who has been mentioned as a presenter who would be a good fit for the role.