THE REAL ME
TV presenter Tess Daly, 54, lives in Buckinghamshire with her husband Vernon Kay and their two daughters
What are you like in the morning?
I literally can’t wait to have that first cup of tea. I’m not really a coffee person so it’s all about a good old builder’s brew.
I’m a morning person, I think because there’s always loads to do. Particularly as a parent, the to-do list is never done, so when I’m up, I’m ready to seize the day.
What’s your worst habit?
I think my daughters would probably tell you that it’s biting off my split ends in the car. I know it’s so disgusting, but I find it quite comforting. It’s nasty for everybody else who’s observing it, but for me, I’m kind of like, ‘What’s the problem?’ But I guess it is pretty gross. Apologies!
What makes you happy?
Precious family time together. As a working mum, I’ve always tried to seek out that balance because it’s the eternal juggling act. But it’s what makes me happiest, being with the family, having Sunday lunch and playing Uno.
What scares you most in life?
At the moment, the news. It’s a tough time, so I try not to be too overly inundated. There’s a lot going on right now that we can’t avoid, but the lack of tolerance and kindness is worrying. As a parent it preoccupies you because you want your children to grow up in a world that’s warm and happy. But all you can do is instil a sense of positivity to help them grow up loved, feel valued and to have compassion for the rest of the world.
Do you have any regrets?
I have no great regrets that I beat myself up over. Life is a series of stepping stones to teach you about your own journey. Everything learnt is valuable in its own way and you will ultimately benefit from it. I refuse to stay in the past, I’m happier being in the present.
What’s the best and worst thing about ageing?
I think the best is that you give less of a damn as you get older. Your priorities change and you realise what’s important. And obviously, I think the most vital thing is good health, because without that, what do you have? That’s why I love the multivitamin gummies I take. We haven’t got time to be sick, we lead busy lives, so by taking them I keep healthy, bouncy and able to do what my day demands. The worst thing has to be losing older family members. However, I do think when you lose someone you care about, it sort of reaffirms your own mortality in a way that’s positive. You feel gratitude for what you’ve got and stress less abo
