Vernon Kay has spoken publicly for the first time since announcing his separation from Tess Daly after 23 years of marriage. The radio host, 52, took to his BBC Radio 2 show on Monday morning to thank listeners for their support.
“I just want to say on behalf of myself and Tess, thank you, thank you for all your well-wishes, it’s been greatly appreciated,” Kay said before starting his program.
The couple, who married in 2003 and share two daughters—Phoebe, 21, and Amber, 16—announced their amicable split last week. In a joint statement, they confirmed that no third parties were involved and that they remain committed to co-parenting.
Toast to the Future
According to reports, the former couple even celebrated their decision. “After they released the statement, Vernon and Tess took a moment to toast each other and their futures,” a source revealed, adding that they clinked champagne flutes. “There has been no big fallout, more a gradual growing apart and wanting different things. They have vowed to stay friends and to keep things classy.”
The pair are still living together in their six-bedroom home in Buckinghamshire as they navigate this transition.
Recent Family Changes
This year has brought major changes for the family. Tess Daly stepped down from her role as co-host of Strictly Come Dancing after 22 years. Meanwhile, daughter Phoebe recently moved to New York. Just two weeks before the split announcement, Kay told The Times: “Now that Phoebe is 21 and Amber is nearly 17, our relationship with them is changing. We talk about encouraging them to leave the nest and be independent, but we don’t really want them to.”
Relationship Timeline
- 2001 – Tess and Vernon meet while working at ITV and Channel 4 respectively.
- 2002 – Vernon proposes on Christmas Day.
- 2003 – They marry in Horwich, Bolton.
- 2004 – Daughter Phoebe is born.
- 2009 – Daughter Amber is born.
- 2010 – Vernon admits to sending explicit messages; Tess says their marriage is “worth fighting for.”
- 2013 – Vernon surprises Tess with a vow renewal in the South of France.
- 2017 – Tess describes their marriage as a “work in progress.”
- 2020 – On I’m A Celebrity…, Vernon says his infidelity is “in the past.”
- 2025 – Tess receives her MBE; one of their last public appearances together.
- February 2026 – They co-host The One Show for the last time.
- May 2026 – They announce their separation.
Neither has made major public appearances since the announcement. Tess did not attend the Baftas with co-star Claudia Winkleman on Sunday night.
