Tess Daly and Vernon Kay, the former Strictly Come Dancing host and radio DJ, have announced their amicable separation after 23 years of marriage. The couple revealed the decision on Friday, emphasizing their commitment to co-parenting daughters Phoebe, 21, and Amber, 16.
Joint Statement on Separation
In a joint announcement, Tess, 57, and Vernon, 52, stated: “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 of 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. There are no other parties involved in this decision. We kindly ask for privacy during this time. We will not be making any further public comments.”
Both remain at their Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire home for now, though changes are expected soon.
Recent Caribbean Vacation Raises Questions
Just three weeks ago, the couple jetted to a Caribbean island paradise with Phoebe to promote Tess’s Naia Beach swimwear brand. Notably, they avoided posting photos of each other on social media.
Tess shared images featuring the back of Vernon’s head as he sat on the beach before entering the sea, while posing with Phoebe. Vernon posted: “Very grateful for a knockout week in the sunshine…And proud to be rocking men’s swim shorts. I am biased as they’re a Tess Daly design, but they are the comfiest shorts I’ve ever drank rum punch in!! (And swam in of course!!).” He praised her designs but included no pictures of Tess.
Insights from Close Sources
Sources close to the couple indicate they spent significant time deliberating, with daughters fully involved in discussions. One friend shared: “Tess and Vernon are actually really, really happy now. They’re still living together for now though that will of course change in the near future. The girls were very much part of the decision. They had grown apart, they are different to when they first met. They acknowledged that and decided life would be better if they were to split. They are both in their 50s, they have so much time left and they have decided they would be happier not being together so that’s what they’ve done. It is all very, very amicable. They have lived through so much together, they have had so many happy times. They have had more than two decades of laughs and are extremely proud of their girls but they know splitting is for the best.”
No third party is involved, and divorce lawyers have not yet been engaged, though plans exist to proceed later.
