Rhian Sugden appeared in public for the first time since Vernon Kay and Tess Daly announced their separation, spotted running errands in Manchester on Monday.
Rhian’s Casual Outing
The 39-year-old former glamour model dressed casually in an oversized white T-shirt and bright red joggers, her long brunette hair tied back. She went makeup-free and wore striking spectacles. Rhian, now married to Oliver Mellor, shares a two-year-old son, George, with him.
The Couple’s Amicable Split
Vernon, 52, and Tess, 57, shared their separation news on Friday. They described the decision as difficult but mutual, emphasizing their commitment to co-parenting daughters Phoebe, 21, and Amber, 16.
In a joint statement, they said: “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.”
16 Years After the Sexting Scandal
The announcement arrives 16 years after Vernon’s 2010 sexting scandal involving saucy messages to Rhian and four other women. He issued a public apology to Tess live on BBC Radio 1, promising no further contact.
Vernon continued hosting his radio show and presenting All Star Family Fortunes afterward.
In a 2020 Channel 4 documentary, Page Three: The Naked Truth, Rhian reflected: “He just got away with it. It ruined everything for me. I felt like I was going up and up with my career, and then that came along. I wish I’d never met him. He got to give an apology on the radio and just got to carry on, with Family Fortunes, ironically. It still makes me feel sick.”
Vernon’s Response and Ongoing Co-Parenting
On Monday, Vernon addressed the split on his BBC Radio 2 show, thanking supporters: “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.”
Photographed heading to the London studio, he flashed a small smile.
Sources indicate the couple toasted with champagne after posting their statement, vowing to stay friends and handle the split classily. They have grown apart over time, pursuing different interests, but no third party is involved. The pair, estimated worth £10 million, remain in their Beaconsfield home and serve as Marks & Spencer food ambassadors. They last appeared together publicly in February on The One Show.
Friends note the daughters participated in discussions, describing the process as amicable. One friend said: “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 acknowledged that and decided life would be better if they were to split.”
The couple met in 2001 while presenting Top Of The Pops@Play, began dating soon after, got engaged on Christmas Day 2002, and married the following September in Horwich, Lancashire.
