Tess Daly has hired a new stylist to spruce up her Strictly Come Dancing wardrobe after a series of her fashion choices received negative comments online.
The 55-year-old presenter has swapped James Yardley, known for his edgier looks, for Laury Smith, who brings a classic and glamorous style to her Saturday night outfits.
Despite being a fashion role model to millions of people, Ms Daly has faced harsh criticism from some viewers during previous series.
One said that a pair of black faux leather John Lewis trousers that Mrs Daly wore on the show last year looked like a ‘rubbish bag’, or as if she had borrowed them from a Cornish fisherman.
Mrs Daly wears John Lewis’ £99 black faux leather trousers, which people say make her look like a ‘garbage bag’
The purple Galvan London thigh-slit dress she wore in 2020 was compared to ‘a Quality Street wrapper’
Meanwhile, a purple Galvan London dress with a thigh slit that she wore in 2020 drew comparisons to ‘a Quality Street wrapper’, and another dress of hers was likened to ‘Bacofoil’ in 2021.
Another said online: ‘It shouldn’t be this hard to dress a beautiful woman.’
However, Ms Daly’s outfit last Saturday – with a dark blue jumpsuit from Australian fashion brand Nookie and jewelry from Missoma – was a hit.
One viewer summed up his thoughts, saying: ‘Tess has never looked so beautiful! How does she get younger with each series?’
Another wrote of her new style: ‘She doesn’t look like the ‘poor relationship’ next to Claudia [Winkleman] now: well done, Laury.’
The Stockport-born star has been co-host of Strictly Come Dancing since its inception in 2004.
Her new Ms Smith wardrobe from this range includes custom-made designer jumpsuits from Alexander McQueen to beautiful flattering dresses from designers such as 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.
Last Saturday, Ms Daly wore a dark blue jumpsuit from Australian fashion brand Nookie and jewelery from Missoma, which was a hit
Mrs. Daly wears a red jumpsuit, the top of which resembles a blazer, while she wears silver shoes
However, not everyone has praised the wardrobe shake-up. Mr Yardley, who has worked with Ms Daly on several series, said: ‘I would hate to be predictable and I am unapologetic about my decisions.’
He is currently working with Olympic diver Tom Daley and actress Hannah Waddingham.
Strict viewers have noted that Mrs Daly has yet to show her knees in 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’ reason for switching is intriguing. She may want a sophisticated, more fashionable look. She pulled out all the stops for Laury and it’s getting rave reviews.”
