Tess Daly channels her inner Lady Whistledown in a cream satin gown as she parties with Boy George while celebrating her pal’s birthday with a Bridgerton-themed bash

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By LAURA FOX, ASSOCIATE SHOWBUSINESS EDITOR 21:54 12 Oct 2026, updated 21:58 12 Oct 2026

Tess Daly took inspiration from Bridgerton’s leading ladies as she celebrated her pal’s birthday with a party at a luxurious mansion.

The former Strictly Come Dancing star, 57, was dressed in a stunning cream satin gown as she danced the night away with Boy George at the bash.

In snaps she shared on Instagram, Tess dressed up for the themed party in honour of her pal, business executive Nicola Mendelsohn.

The party took place at the Hedsor House, an Italianate mansion that dates back to the 12th Century, and was once the royal residence of Princess Augusta, Dowager Princess of Wales.

Tess captioned her post: ‘Well that was fun getting dressed up for a beautiful Bridgerton birthday celebration for one of the very best @nicolamen you know how to throw a party.’

Her former Strictly co-host Claudia Winkleman was quick to show her appreciation, by commenting with a series of heart emojis.

Tess’s night out comes after Strictly got off to a shaky start – as new hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe failed to deliver the ratings boost BBC bosses had hoped for.

But it seems the trio have finally found a set-up that works.

Viewers hailed the chemistry between Emma and Johannes as they presented together for the first time on Sunday – and claimed Josh has finally ‘found his natural home’.

Ever since the hit BBC dance show returned to the box two weeks ago, Emma, Johannes and Josh have been heavily scrutinised after taking on the roles from Tess and Claudia Winkleman, trying out different pairings throughout.

But after Sunday night’s first elimination show, fans were positive about elements of the presenting set-up.

Emma and Johannes were paired together for the start of the show, where they discussed the dances from Saturday with the judges.

Sharing their thoughts on X, fans penned: ‘Emma and Johannes presenting together this is much better it’s not hard.’

‘This is the way the hosting needs to be split with emma downstairs as main host and josh and johannes upstairs.’

‘Oh Emma and Johannes together! they’ve realised that’s how it should be.’

‘Surely the BBC can see that Emma and Johannes are great together tonight.’

Emma then headed downstairs to the dance floor to reveal the votes, where she was replaced by Josh, who joined Johannes to chat with the celebs.

Fans enjoyed seeing Josh upstairs as they claimed he appeared less nervous.

They said: ‘Now can we move Josh upstairs plz he works much better up their with Johannes.’

‘Dare I say Josh felt mare natural upstairs being a bit more off the cuff with the saved couples in the result show?’

‘Emma is much better doing the results on her own while Josh & JoJo are upstairs chatting with the celebrities.’

‘Josh is better upstairs. Seems less nervous and more willing to ad-lib.’

‘I will say that Josh is so much better upstairs & I really think they should consider that. Reckon he’ll settle into that part so much easier.’

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