'I can't wait to see another lady on the panel': Strictly Come Dancing's Tess Daly praises 'phenomenal' new head judge Shirley Ballas as she puts in a stylish appearance in baby blue dress

Published: 10:17 GMT, 18 May 2017 | Updated: 12:41 GMT, 18 May 2017

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Shirley Ballas was announced as the new Strictly Come Dancing head judge earlier this week.

And Tess Daly has given her blessing to the ballroom dancing expert, praising her 'phenomenal' knowledge and skills and admitting she is very pleased Len Goodman's replacement is a woman.

The 48-year-old star stopped by ITV show Lorraine on Thursday to discuss the changes on the panel.

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High praise: Tess Daly has given her blessing to Strictly Come Dancing's new head judge Shirley Ballas, praising her 'phenomenal' knowledge and skills a

Tess enthused: 'She's lovely isn't she. I think Bruno has already met her through Dancing With The Stars which he is also a judge on twice a year in the US.

'Shirley has worked over there so she's well known and she's coming home to be on our panel. I can't wait to see another lady!'

British born Shirley will replace 73-year-old Len on the hugely popular BBC show when it returns in the autumn, joining judges Darcey Bussell, Craig Revel-Horwood and Bruno Tonioli.

Nicknamed the Queen of Latin, she won a string of ballroom titles before retiring in 1996 and went on to become a leading coach and judge.

New head judge: Nicknamed the Queen of Latin, Shirley won a string of ballroom titles before retiring in 1996 and went on to become a leading coach and judge

Beautiful in blue: Tess looked lovely in a simple blue dress with a lace trim on the shoulders

Show them who's boss in a blue dress by Diane von Furstenberg

Diane von Furstenberg panelled lace dress

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Tess Daly is really on a roll right now when it comes to style.

She knocked our socks off at the TV BAFTAs on Sunday, rocking an asymmetric dress by Roland Mouret, and now here she is on Lorraine wearing a little blue number by Diane von Furstenberg with Christian Louboutin floral heels. Bravo to her stylist, James Yardley!

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Revealing how excited she is about Shirley joining the show, Tess said: 'She's got so much experience, her credentials are unshakable.

'She's phenomenal, she's going to keep those two boys in order, especially the naughty one on the end - no names, Bruno...'

Tess put on a friendly display with her co-host Claudia Winkleman at the TV BAFTAs over the weekend, and declared that the pair have become the best of friends.

She enthused: 'Claudia is brilliant, I love her to bits - she's fantastic. She had us all splitting our sides, some of the jokes are too rude for TV.'

Tess enthused: 'Shirley is phenomenal, she's going to keep those two boys in order, especially the naughty one on the end - no names, Bruno...'

Stylish: Tess set off her look with a pair of patterned floral heels

The mother-of-two also revealed she would love to take part in the ballroom dancing contest herself, revealing she feels jealous of the celebrities on the show.

He said: 'I do watch the celebs and see them blossom and learn a whole new skill - and there is a part of me that thinks, I would love to give it a try. Come on Anton, give me a twirl!'

Tess is encouraging novice cooks and patisserie pros alike to support children cared for at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) by hosting a Bake it Better bake sale between 22 and 28 May.

Excited: Revealing how excited she is about Shirley joining the show, Tess said, 'She's got so much experience, her credentials are unshakable'

Quizzed: The 48-year-old star stopped by ITV show Lorraine on Thursday to discuss the changes on the panel

She said: 'I've been working with GOSH for ten years now with my husband Vernon [Kay]. The work they do looking after seriously ill children is fantastic and it take a lot of money to help.'

Tess is supporting Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity to inspire budding bakers to create tempting treats to sell at home, in the office, at school or in their community, all to raise vital money for seriously ill children at GOSH.

The TV presenter is the charity’s first Children’s Champion’ alongside her husband Vernon, who are longstanding supporters of the charity.

Twinkle toes: The mother-of-two also revealed she would love to take part in the ballroom dancing contest herself, revealing she feels jealous of the celebrities on the show

Everyone who holds a bake sale will receive a free fundraising kit from the charity jam-packed full of bunting, cake toppers, posters, stickers and top tips to ensure every bake sale is a sweet success.

Money raised by supporters holding bake sales will help Great Ormond Street Hospital to provide world-class care for young children and their families.

It could fund pioneering medical research, state-of-the-art medical equipment, support services for children and their families which includes parent accommodation so mums and dads can stay close by, and help the rebuilding and refurbishment of the hospital.

Close bond: Tess put on a friendly display with her co-host Claudia Winkleman at the TV BAFTAs over the weekend, and declared that the pair have become the best of friends

New direction: Shirley will be taking over from Len Goodman (left) as head judge on Strictly when it returns to screens this September. Len is pictured with Strictly panelists Darcey Bussell, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli