BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Tess Daly shares the surprising backstage rule she has to follow

Strictly Come Dancing's Tess Daly has revealed the high stakes of live TV, including a unique behind-the-scenes ban. In an interview with Elle magazine, the seasoned presenter confessed that she refrains from drinking water for two hours before going on air for the blockbuster 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 the 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 modelling internationally 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 hosting Make Me a Supermodel with Dave Berry.

Following her stint as the host of ITV's 'Home on Their Own', which she took over from Ulrika Jonsson in 2003, she landed a role on Strictly Come Dancing, working alongside the legendary Sir Bruce Forsyth. In a heartfelt tribute to the late television icon earlier this year, she marked the show's 20th anniversary on social media, reports the Mirror.

"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! )," she wrote, sharing 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."