BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Tess Daly forced to adhere to ban before every live show

Strictly Come Dancing's Tess Daly has opened up about the pressures of live television, revealing an unusual pre-show ritual. In an interview with Elle magazine, the veteran presenter confessed that she refrains from drinking water for two hours before going on air for the Saturday night shows, due to the lack of time for bathroom breaks.

"I can't drink any water for two hours before the show," the star explained, highlighting the practicalities of live broadcasting.

"As we are live, there is just not enough time to get to the loo."

However, Tess, who has been a familiar face on our screens for 20 years alongside her husband and radio maestro Vernon Kay, did mention one exception to this rule - during her pregnancies with daughters Phoebe and Amber. She chuckled, adding: "Oh no, that wouldn't have been possible. I was allowed to go then! "

Prior to becoming one of Strictly's most recognisable faces, Tess began her career as an international model and appeared in iconic Duran Duran music videos before securing major UK TV roles on shows such as Find Me a Model, Smash Hits TV, SMTV Live, and co-hosting Make Me a Supermodel with Dave Berry.

Tess Daly's presenting career has included many high-profile roles. In 2003, she succeeded Ulrika Jonsson as the host of ITV's 'Home on Their Own', reports the Mirror.

Later, she landed the Strictly Come Dancing hosting job, initially working with the legendary presenter Sir Bruce Forsyth. To mark 20 years of Strictly Come Dancing this year, Tess Daly posted a heartfelt tribute to Sir Bruce Forsyth.

On social media, she wrote: "HAPPY BIRTHDAY @bbcstrictly. It's 20 years ago today since the first episode aired in 2004 with the legend Sir Bruce Forsyth (and I was pregnant then with Phoebe my eldest! )," and included a photo with each of her co-hosts. "We had no idea at that time it would go on for another two decades (and counting) and become a global hit in so many overseas territories (where the show is known as Dancing with The Stars)" "Forever grateful to be part of a show that feels so joyful and magical and to share that with the absolute GIFT that is @claudiawinkle #keepdancing."