Television star Tess Daly has confirmed that she has quit her role as Children In Need host after 11 years.
The 51-year-old Strictly Come Dancing presenter took to her official Instagram page this morning to share the sad news with fans.
Paying tribute to the charity’s founder Sir Terry Wogan with a collage of photographs, Vernon Kay’s wife ensured her followers that Pudsey would also hold a special place in her heart.
She began her lengthy post: “For the past 11 years I’ve had the great privilege of presenting Children In Need alongside brilliant presenters and an amazing team.
“Pudsey and what he represents will always hold a special place in my heart but it’s time to pass the presenting baton over as the show reaches it’s amazing 40-year milestone.
Tess Daly has confirmed that she has quit her role as Children In Need host after 11 years
“That’s four decades of the British public donating and heroically fundraising over £1bn towards changing children’s lives for the better.
“But Children In Need isn’t just an annual event, it works tirelessly all year round and I’m excited that I will continue to work alongside some of the vitally important projects that this extraordinary charity supports, seeing first-hand what a profound affect these unprecedented times have had, and to find out what more we can do to help.”
Unsurprisingly, a majority of Tess’ 518,000 followers have rushed to leave a message of support for the star in the comment section.
One fan penned: “Your charm and smile and great friendliness bought to an amazing cause. Best endeavours Tess.
Vernon Kay’s wife ensured her followers that Pudsey would also hold a special place in her heart (Image: tessdaly/Instagram)
Another added: “Well done for all you did to help transform young people’s lives.”
A third wrote: “That’s a shame. We will miss you.”
While a fourth said: “You’ll be missed.”
Tess joined the Children In Need team in 2008 when she hosted alongside Terry and Fearne Cotton.
Tess paid tribute to Children In Need founder Sir Terry Wogan in her heartfelt Instagram announcement (Image: tessdaly/Instagram)
Following Terry’s death in 2016 she has joined forces with a slew of different presenters, including Rochelle and Marvin Humes, Graham Norton and Tom Allen.
Tess’ announcement comes as the BBC annual telethon celebrates its 40th Anniversary this November.
The TV personality joined the Children In Need team in 2008 when she hosted alongside Sir Terry and Fearne Cotton.
Following Sir Terry’s death four years ago in 2016 she has joined forces with a series of different famous faces including Rochelle and Marvin Humes, Graham Norton and Tom Allen.
Tess will be reuniting with Claudia Winkleman for the new series of Strictly Come Dancing this October, which has been shortened due to changes introduced by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The line-up was confirmed last week, and will feature stars such as In Chelsea star Jamie Laing, The Wanted’s Max George and EastEnders beauty Maisie Smith.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
