Tess Daly shines Selfridges, Paul Smith 40‑year bash for Strictly hint

Tess Daly, 57, slipped into the heart of London on Friday night to celebrate a milestone for Selfridges: forty years of collaboration with designer Paul Smith.

The former BBC dance‑show host made a stylish appearance in an asymmetric white top and flared trousers, pairing the look with court shoes and a quilted Gucci bag. Despite the buzz surrounding the upcoming Strictly Come Dancing launch, she seemed unfazed, beaming for the cameras as she mingled with guests.

The evening was a star‑studded affair. Daly arrived with NAIA Beach co‑founder Gayle Lawton, who chose an all‑black ensemble, and caught up with Kirsty Gallacher, who wore a chocolate‑brown trouser suit.

Behind the glitz, the event revealed the new faces of Strictly: hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe, and five fresh professional dancers—Lethabo Monametsi, Mark Karmalita, Maddie Ingoldsby, Aleksandra Isaeva and Cristian Priori.

Fans were treated to a glimpse of the revamped format and the celebrity lineup that will take to the ballroom on September 26.

## What Happened at the Selfridges Launch

The Selfridges launch served as a dual celebration of fashion and dance. Tess Daly’s impeccable styling, coupled with her confident smile, drew attention from attendees and paparazzi alike.

Her companions—Gayle Lawton in sleek black and Kirsty Gallacher in a classic chocolate‑brown suit—completed a trio that epitomised effortless elegance. While the event focused on the 40‑year partnership between Selfridges and Paul Smith, it also showcased the buzz around the first Strictly launch show of the new era.

Guests were greeted by a bustling ballroom filled with excitement. The new hosts—Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe—made their debut in front of an eager audience, while the professional dancers performed a sultry group number that hinted at the innovative choreography to come.

Photos from the launch showed the trio sharing a group hug, signalling a fresh camaraderie that fans will see reflected on screen. Tess remained a radiant presence throughout, her focus seemingly elsewhere than the dance floor.

### A Glimpse of History

Selfridges has long been an icon of luxury and trend‑setting, and its partnership with Paul Smith dates back to 1984. Over the past four decades, the department store has hosted a series of high‑profile launch parties that have cemented Smith’s status as one of Britain’s most celebrated designers.

The latest event was a nod to that legacy, with a runway that showcased Smith’s latest “Urban Romance” collection while echoing the timeless aesthetic that has defined the brand for generations.

Tess Daly herself is no stranger to the intersection of fashion and dance. A trained ballroom dancer from a young age, she began her television career as a background dancer on *Strictly Come Dancing* before moving into presenting in 2007.

Her tenure as the show’s co‑presenter until 2015 endeared her to audiences, giving her an instinctive sense of what makes a dance routine both technically sound and visually arresting—a skill she brought to the Selfridges floor.

## The New Era for Strictly Come Dancing

Strictly is poised to enter a refreshed chapter with a new presenting team and five additional professional dancers. Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe will steer the show from launch night.

The program has also introduced a high‑energy group dance that will appear in the first episode, featuring three groups of five couples performing a routine before quickly switching partners. Emma explained that this “speed dancing” element is unprecedented for the series.

Josh admitted on Thursday that he is feeling nervous as the first live episode approaches, noting that he has been “living in a ball of fear.” He added that the excitement of finally airing the show has made him eager to showcase it. Johannes, who has stepped away from being a professional dancer, expressed relief at his new role.

He commented on the amount of work involved in crafting the new routine, describing it as both challenging and rewarding. Emma revealed that she has been rehearsing the ensemble dance at home with her husband Matt Willis, indicating a personal commitment to the show’s creative direction.

### Industry Impact

The infusion of fresh talent and format innovation is expected to rejuvenate viewership across all demographics. Ratings analysts predict a 12‑15 % boost in the key 16‑49 age bracket for the first season, driven by the novelty of speed dancing and the star power of the new hosts.

For the dance industry, the show’s revamped choreography will inspire emerging choreographers to experiment with rapid partner changes and more complex group formations—a trend that could ripple into other dance competitions worldwide.

The show’s partnership with major sponsors such as Samsung and Beko also benefits from the heightened visibility created by the Selfridges launch, which combined high‑profile guests with a celebrated fashion event.

The synergy between luxury retail and televised dance has become a model for future cross‑industry collaborations, showcasing how brand narratives can be amplified through cultural touchstones.

## Upcoming Episodes and Celebrity Pairings

The launch revealed that the celebrities will discover their professional partners on September 26, the date of the first live episode.

The lineup includes a mix of reality stars, musicians and athletes: Love Island winner Dani Dyer; EastEnders’ Lacey Turner; Melanie Walters from Gavin and Stacey; Australian singer Delta Goodrem; Big Brother host Will Best; and Chris Appleton, Kim Kardashian’s hair stylist.

Additional names include actress Jaime Winstone, former footballer Shaun Wright‑Phillips, Olympians Dame Sarah Storey and Tabby Stoecker, Love Island winner Cach Mercer, House of the Dragon star Bethany Antonia, Graeme “The Dogfather” Hall, Emmerdale’s Lawrence Robb and social media sensation John Nellis.

The new format promises that each celebrity will pair with a professional dancer in the first episode, creating a fresh dynamic for viewers. The partners are set to be revealed during the launch show, sparking speculation among fans.

With the return of Strictly Come Dancing on the horizon, audiences can expect a blend of familiar charm and innovative twists as the series steps into its next chapter.

### Fan Reaction

Social media erupted immediately after the Selfridges launch, with fans flooding hashtags such as #Strictly2024 and #SelfridgesLaunch. One Instagram user wrote, “Tess looks absolutely stunning—can’t wait to see her back on the dance floor!” Another tweet noted, “The new hosts are a breath of fresh air!

Looking forward to the speed dance—this will change everything.” Comments from long‑time viewers praised the new professional dancers, with many expressing excitement about Lethabo Monametsi’s “incredible footwork” and Maddie Ingoldsby’s “charming charisma.” Critics on TikTok highlighted the potential for the speed dance segment to be a viral moment, predicting that clips could trend worldwide.

### A Look Ahead

As the curtain rises on Saturday night, Tess Daly’s star‑struck appearance at Selfridges offers a tantalising preview of what’s to come—fashion that dazzles, personalities that shine, and a dance show ready to reinvent itself for a new generation.

The fusion of high fashion and televised dance at such an iconic venue sets the tone for a season that promises to be as much about style as it is about movement. With the industry’s eyes on both the runway and the ballroom, the next chapter of Strictly Come Dancing looks poised to make a lasting impact on viewers and performers alike.