Strictly Come Dancing host Tess Daly and TV presenter Vernon Kay have announced they have separated after almost 23 years of marriage
09:49, 17 May 2026Updated 09:51, 17 May 2026
Vernon Kay and Tess Daly attend the NTAs 2024(Image: Getty Images for the NTA’s)
Vernon Kay’s dad has revealed the reason behind his son’s separation from Tess Daly. Earlier this month, the former television power couple confirmed they were ending their marriage.
Following nearly 23 years together, the ex-Strictly Come Dancing presenter and her All Star Family Fortunes host spouse announced their separation via Instagram. Though their relationship has ended, sources suggest the pair have maintained their friendship and reportedly even shared a toast after publishing their statement.
While Vernon recently thanked fans for their support, his father, Norman, has now broken his silence, confirming there’s no animosity between the pair, who are parents to daughters Phoebe and Amber.
Despite the emotional difficulty surrounding his son’s marriage breakdown, Norman maintains a positive outlook and has even light-heartedly acknowledged that Vernon is now available. He told the Daily Mail: “Of course, it’s sad when people split up, and we’re all very fond of Tess; they made a lovely couple.”
He continued by explaining that Vernon and Tess had “gone in different directions” with their lives, noting that such changes can sometimes lead to better things. “This is one of those cases,” he said. Norman added that Vernon is mature enough to manage life independently and has maintained daily communication with his parents following the shocking announcement. Norman said: “Tess is a lovely woman, and we want to make sure everyone is all right in this – her, Vernon and obviously our grandchildren.” Warning his son against rushing into a new romance, he stressed that he has “plenty of time” ahead of him, reports the Mirror.
Vernon’s mum and dad Gladys and Norman(Image: James Watkins/BBC)
Despite the widespread shock surrounding the couple’s separation, Norman is adamant there was no wrongdoing on either party’s part. He said: “He’s not interested in finding anyone else at the moment, and there is nobody else involved.”
In a bombshell social media post on May 8, the former couple 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 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.
“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 and Vernon.” Just a day later, a source told the Mirror how the pair spent their evening. During a poignant evening at their family home – where they continue to live together – the pair drank champagne and “celebrated the new chapter ahead.” A source close to the couple said: “After they released the statement, Vernon and Tess took a moment to toast each other and their futures.
Tess Daly and Vernon Kay attend the British Academy Film Awards 2022 Gala Dinner (Image: Getty Images)
“They only want the best for each other and their family. 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 when it comes to the split and any future interviews they give. They only want the best for each other.”
Tess and Vernon’s relationship began in 2001 while working alongside one another on Top of the Pops@Play, a brief spin-off from the iconic music programme. In 2024, Vernon recalled their initial encounter during his BBC Radio 2 programme.
He explained: “It was Strictly Come Dancing’s Tess Daly and I, [we] recreated the video for Britney Spears ‘ Hit Me Baby One More Time. That’s how we first met.
“She was dressed as Geri Halliwell in the Spice Girls Union Jack dress; I was dressed as Britney Spears in the Hit Me Baby One More Time video. It was in a charity shop on Shepherd’s Bush Green.”