Tess Daly and Vernon Kay have stunned fans by announcing that, after 23 years of marriage, they are divorcing. The TV golden couple met in 2001 when they were working on rival channels; Vernon was hosting Channel 4's T4 while Tess presented SMTV on ITV. Vernon proposed on Christmas Day in 2002 at Tess' parents' home, and they tied the knot the following year at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Horwich, near Bolton. In 2004, they welcomed their first daughter, Phoebe, and a second, Amber, in 2009.
This evening, the stars took to social media with a joint statement, writing: 'After much consideration, and with a deep sense of care and respect for one another, we have made the decision to separate amicably. This has not been an easy choice, but it comes from a place of mutual understanding and a shared desire for what is best for both of us. We remain great friends and most importantly, fully committed to our roles as loving and supportive parents, which will always be our priority.' They concluded: 'There are no other parties involved in this decision. We kindly ask for privacy during this time as we navigate this transition together. We will not be making any further public comments.'
Tess, 57, and Vernon, 52, have been one of British television's most popular couples for years, frequently appearing on red carpets together and supporting one another's career endeavours. This included Vernon sitting proudly in the audience of Tess' final Strictly Come Dancing show. In December, she and co-host Claudia Winkleman announced that they would be stepping down, having fronted the glitzy BBC competition as a duo since 2014.
The nation has followed the ups and downs of their relationship over the past 20 years, with Tess previously saying that their connection was 'immediate'. She added to Digital Spy that they 'instantly had such a blast together' and she 'couldn't imagine having more fun with anyone else'. 'It was pretty explosive, I tell you.'
Following their first wedding in Vernon's hometown, they renewed their vows in 2013 with their daughters present. In somewhat of a Don't Tell the Bride affair, Vernon organised the entire ceremony in the South of France, with Tess kept in the dark until the day of the second wedding itself. Recalling the grand romantic gesture to his I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! campmates in 2020, Vernon revealed that he told Tess' stylist to get him 'four dresses' for her. '[Tess] didn't know anything. I said I needed four dresses, and I gave her a card, and it said, "Congratulations on your second wedding day," and I said, "We're going to renew our vows." She said, "I've got nothing to wear," and I said, "You say that... pick one."' Vernon added: 'We went to reception, and her mum, my parents, the kids, and my brother were waiting, and she was like, "Oh my god!" We had such a lovely day.'
