Tess Daly and Vernon Kay announced on May 8, 2026 that they are separating after 22 years of marriage. The couple shared a joint statement on Instagram confirming the decision was amicable and that no other parties were involved.
The Official Statement
The joint statement, posted on Instagram, said: “After much consideration, and with a deep sense of care and respect for one another, we have made the decision to separate amicably”. The couple described it as “not an easy choice” but one made from “mutual understanding and a shared desire for what is best for both of us”.
They emphasized that they “remain great friends” and are “fully committed to our roles as loving and supportive parents, which will always be our priority”. The statement explicitly confirmed that “there are no other parties involved in this decision”.
Marriage and Family Background
Tess Daly, 57, and Vernon Kay, 52, married in September 2003 at St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Horwich, near Bolton. Both were former models who had established themselves as television presenters before their wedding. Despite their fame, they declined six-figure magazine offers for exclusive wedding photographs and instead posed for fans outside the church.
The couple have two daughters: Phoebe, born in October 2004, and Amber, born in May 2009. Both Daly and Kay come from the Greater Manchester area. Daly was born in Stockport, while Kay grew up in Horwich, just 20 miles away. Their birthdays in April are only one day apart.
The 2010 Text Message Scandal
Their marriage faced significant public scrutiny in 2010 when Kay admitted he had sent explicit text messages to approximately five women. He interrupted his BBC Radio 1 programme to apologise to his two million listeners, describing his behaviour as “foolish and stupid”.
A month later, Daly spoke publicly about the situation, stating their partnership was “worth fighting for” because they had shared “10 great years together” and had “two beautiful kids”. Speaking on The One Show, she said: “Dealing with it in private is difficult enough but dealing with it in public is even harder”.Quick Bio: Tess Daly and Vernon Kay
Tess Daly’s Career
Tess Daly served as co-host of Strictly Come Dancing from its launch in 2004 until her departure in 2025, a tenure spanning 21 years. She initially presented alongside the late Bruce Forsyth until he stepped down in 2013, after which she was joined by Claudia Winkleman from 2014.
Daly and Winkleman stepped back from the show in December 2025, both appearing emotional as they signed off for the final time. In 2025, Daly was awarded an MBE for services to broadcasting. Her career began in modelling before she transitioned to television, first hosting the Find Me A Model competition on Channel 4’s The Big Breakfast in 1999.
Vernon Kay’s Career
Vernon Kay has hosted the weekday mid-morning show on BBC Radio 2 since May 2023, taking over from Ken Bruce after his 31-year tenure. Kay said at the time: “I’m absolutely over the moon to be handed the microphone… what an honour to follow in the footsteps of the mighty Ken Bruce”.
His television career includes presenting Channel 4’s T4 from 2000 to 2005, ITV’s All Star Family Fortunes from 2006 to 2015, and Beat the Star. He previously hosted shows on BBC Radio 1 from 2004 to 2012 and Radio X from 2015 to 2017.
A Rare Joint Appearance
In February 2026, just months before the separation announcement, Daly and Kay co-presented The One Show together for the first time in nearly 20 years. The BBC programme listing described it as a special episode with Vernon Kay presenting alongside his wife. This appearance now stands as one of their final joint professional engagements before the split.
What Remains Unconfirmed
The couple’s statement did not disclose specific reasons for the separation beyond “much consideration” and “mutual understanding”. No details regarding financial arrangements, property division, or post-separation living arrangements have been officially confirmed. The couple stated they “will not be making any further public comments”. Anonymous tabloid claims about the causes or circumstances of the split should not be treated as verified fact.
Q: Why did Tess Daly and Vernon Kay separate?
The couple stated the decision was made “after much consideration” and came from “mutual understanding and a shared desire for what is best for both of us”. They explicitly confirmed that “there are no other parties involved in this decision”.
Q: When did Tess Daly and Vernon Kay get married and how long were they together?
They married in September 2003 at St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Horwich, near Bolton. Their marriage lasted 22 years before the separation announcement in May 2026.
Q: Do Tess Daly and Vernon Kay have children?
Yes, they have two daughters together: Phoebe, born in October 2004, and Amber, born in May 2009. The couple stated they remain “fully committed to our roles as loving and supportive parents”.
Q: What are Tess Daly and Vernon Kay known for professionally?
Tess Daly co-hosted Strictly Come Dancing from 2004 until 2025, a 21-year tenure, and received an MBE for services to broadcasting in 2025. Vernon Kay has hosted BBC Radio 2’s weekday mid-morning show since May 2023, taking over from Ken Bruce.
Q: Did the couple face any previous public challenges in their marriage?
Yes, in 2010 Vernon Kay publicly apologised on BBC Radio 1 after admitting he sent explicit text messages to several women. Tess Daly later said their marriage was “worth fighting for” because they had “two beautiful kids”.
