Tess Daly has hired a new stylist to spice up her Strictly Come Dancing wardrobe after a series of her fashion choices received negative online comments.
The presenter, 55, has swapped James Yardley, known for his edgier looks, for Laury Smith, who is bringing a classic and glamorous style to her Saturday night outfits.
Though a fashion role model to millions, Ms Daly has faced harsh criticism from some viewers during previous series.
One said a pair of black faux leather £99 trousers from John Lewis that Ms Daly wore on the show last year looked like a ‘bin liner’, or as if she had borrowed them from a Cornish fisherman.
Ms Daly wearing the pair of black faux leather £99 trousers from John Lewis which people have said look like a ‘bin liner’
Last Saturday, Ms Daly’s wore a dark blue jumpsuit by Australian fashion brand Nookie and jewellery by Missoma which was a hit
The purple Galvan London dress with a thigh-split that she wore in 2020 was compared to ‘a Quality Street wrapper’
Ms Daly wearing a red jumpsuit, the top of which resembles with a blazer, while wearing silver shoes
Meanwhile, a purple Galvan London dress with a thigh-split that she wore in 2020 drew comparisons to ‘a Quality Street wrapper’, and another dress of hers was likened to ‘Bacofoil’ in 2021.
Another commented online: ‘It shouldn’t be so hard to dress a beautiful woman.’
However, Ms Daly’s outfit last Saturday – which featured a dark blue jumpsuit by Australian fashion brand Nookie and jewellery by Missoma – was a hit.
One viewer summed up opinion, saying: ‘Tess has never looked more beautiful! How is she getting younger every series.’
Another wrote of her new style: ‘She doesn’t look like the “poor relation” next to Claudia [Winkleman] now: well done, Laury.’
The Stockport-born star has co-presented Strictly Come Dancing since it began in 2004.
Eagle-eyed Strictly viewers have noticed Ms Daly has not shown her knees yet this series
Her new wardrobe from Ms Smith this series has featured tailored designer jumpsuits from Alexander McQueen to stunning figure-flattering dresses from designers including Lavish Alice and Rebecca Vallance. Ms Smith has worked with the likes of Lady Gaga, Jessie J and singer Alesha Dixon, who won the fifth series of Strictly in 2007.
She has also worked as a costume designer on ITV’s The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent.
Not everyone has praised the wardrobe shake-up, though. Mr Yardley, who worked on several series with Ms Daly, said: ‘I’d hate to be predictable and I’m unapologetic about my decisions.’ He is currently working with Olympic diver Tom Daley and actress Hannah Waddingham.
Eagle-eyed Strictly viewers have noticed Ms Daly has not shown her knees yet this series. Cruel critics previously said her knees had been ‘declared a Unesco world heritage site’ and compared them to conkers.
A source said: ‘Tess’s reason for switching is intriguing. Possibly, she wants a sophisticated, more fashion-forward look. She has gone all out with Laury and it’s getting rave reviews.’
