By Dan Laurie

Copyright walesonline

Strictly Come Dancing hos t Tess Daly has opened up about returning to the BBC show for its 21st year. The presenter has co-presented Strictly since 2004, initially co-hosting alongside Bruce Forsyth until he left the show in 2013. Since 2014, Tess has co-hosted with Claudia Winkleman and she’s very excited to get back to work when she show returns this weekend. Opening up on why she thinks Strictly is such a beloved part of British television, Tess said: “This will be our 21st year of Strictly and we do not take it lightly when people tell us they cannot wait for the new series to start again. “It is a privilege to be a part of their Saturday (and Sunday!) nights, and to be part of a show that brings families and friends together.” Tess went on to reveal what she’s learned from working alongside co-star Claudia. She explained:”Claude and I have worked together for so many years now that we have watched each other’s children grow into young adults. “Working with her is an absolute joy. What has she taught me? That I should never wear mascara to our script meetings because she has me laughing so much I end up crying it all off.” There’s been many highlights over the last two decades but Tess has revealed one unforgettable moment from a past series. Tess revealed: ” A real highlight I will personally never forget was during last year’s series when Chris McCausland danced the waltz to You’ll Never Walk Alone. “It was incredibly moving and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. You never forget how a performance made you feel and this one will always stay with me.” Chis ended up walking away with the trophy but Tess says there’s always more than one winner every year. She explained: “There are always multiple winners each series. Some who simply throws themselves into the show; the dancing, the hair, the makeup, the amazing costumes, the themed weeks-all of it. “Ed Balls doing Gangnam Style is the perfect example of someone who did just that to brilliant effect. As did last year’s champion Chris. “I think when the audience sees someone who’s really embracing the competition and giving it their all; they tend to really get behind them. Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Saturday, September 20 at 6.40pm