NTAs 2017: Tess Daly admits being part of first all-female presenting duo was ‘a lot of pressure’

Strictly Come Dancing’s Tess Daly has admitted that being part of the first all-female presenting duo on Saturday night prime-time television was a “huge responsibility”, as the show won a top award.

Daly, 47, and Claudia Winkleman, 45, have hosted the BBC1 series since 2014. It was named best talent show at the National Television Awards at the O2 last night.

Daly said: “If people point out the fact that we are the first ever all-female, prime-time presenting duo, then you think, ‘Gosh’, and it feels like a huge responsibility.

“Initially, the scrutiny was a lot of pressure, but over time it has become a more comfortable shoe to wear. Yes, of course there is pressure, because with scrutiny comes pressure.

"But there is also the genuine enjoyment and gratitude of working on a programme that we just love to do.”

Daly said it was unfair that her outfits and appearance received so much attention: “It’s absolutely different for women — they are scrutinised for what they wear and for their appearance in a way that men never will be.

“Men can throw on a suit, thrust a hand in a trouser pocket and look happy and relaxed. But a woman may be on a prime-time live TV show wearing a full-length ball gown.”

Among the other winners was Mary Berry, 81, who collected the best TV judge award.

She said that The Great British Bake Off could be even better in its new home on Channel 4: “I think it’s got everybody baking and that was my goal to begin with — to encourage more people to bake.

"I’m sure it will do very well. It will be different and it could be better, you never know.”

After the ceremony, winners and nominees celebrated together at the after-party at the O2 until 1am.