Tess Daly says husband Vernon Kay is sexier than ever

That extra twinkle in Tess Daly’s dazzling blue eyes is not just because Strictly is back to sparkle up our Saturdays with its stars, sequins and sexy moves – her hunky husband also has something to do with it… Much as Tess can’t wait for the new series of BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing to kick off tonight – and to make her first curtsy to Sir Brucie – she is also looking forward to getting home to Vernon Kay.

He has been working out and Tess reckons he looks “fitter than ever” ahead of their eighth wedding anniversary on Monday. Even so, she doesn’t intend to be making any more babies. Daughters Phoebe, six, and two-year-old Amber are quite enough. For the moment.

Tess, 42, says: “We’ve just about potty-trained Amber now – it’s such a relief from nappies and having to take a rucksack everywhere you go. When you’re rid of that, you breathe a big sigh of relief.

“I am happy with my two girls. If I had another one I’d feel like I’d never leave the house again!”

Tess Daly and 37-year-old Vernon Kay – who, she clarifies, is contracted with the BBC for another two years, scotching rumours he faces being axed from his Radio 1 show in favour of younger DJs – haven’t actually discussed adding to their family yet.

Tess Daly  (Scanpix/ Dominic Lipinski)