Strictly Come Dancing’s Tess Daly is facing a small backlash after fans were left divided over King Charles’s decision to include her in his Birthday Honours List.

With awards ranging from a dame or knighthood to an MBE, OBE, and the Companion of Honour, Tess is being honoured for her services to broadcasting. The 54-year-old first appeared on screens over two decades ago and has fronted the BBC competition show since it started in 2004. She first hosted Strictly with the last Sir Bruce Forsyth and is now one half of the beloved double act alongside Claudia Winkleman, but many have spoken out about why she deserves the MBE, as one penned: “Tess F****** Daly??!!”

Another wrote: “If they can dish em out to Tess Daly, I’ll be honest, I’m a bit disappointed MY phone didn’t ring.”

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, a third stated: “I’m sorry I don’t mean to be rude but what on EARTH has Tess Daly done to deserve an MBE???”

A fourth commented: “Tess Daly in the ‘honours’ list? What for? Presenting a show and being paid for it 3 months a year? Is that all it takes?!”

However, others defended her honour, including one fan who praised: “Many congratulations and very well deserved! You bring sunshine every Saturday evening with Strictly during the dark evenings.”

Tess revealed she was surprised at being named on the King’s Honour Birthday List as she took to social media with a touching dedication.

The TV star shared: “Genuinely still pinching myself. Feeling extremely humbled and very honoured to be awarded an MBE for Services to Broadcasting in King Charles’ birthday honours list. If I could, I would dedicate it to all the wonderful people I have had the pleasure of working with over the past 26 years.

What an utter privilege it has been to work with so many legends of broadcasting and Knights of the Realm including Sir Trevor Macdonald and Sir Terry Wogan-and also to the Strictly viewers who have brought us so much joy over the past 20 years-thank you to every one of you for being there for the ride; it means the world having you there.

“From Back in 2004 when it all began with the wonderful Sir Bruce Forsythe til now – 21 years later. Huge congrats to my brilliant girl @claudiawinkle on receiving her award too – who would’ve thought we’d be celebrating this together 20 years after we first met? Thank you so much for your lovely messages. Not sure I’ll ever be able to take this in.”