The couple tied the knot in 2003 and share two children
18:42, 08 May 2026Updated 18:49, 08 May 2026
Tess Daly and Vernon Kay have split(Image: Joe Maher/Getty Images)
Tess Daly has announced she has split from her partner Vernon Kay. The couple were married for 22 years and share two children together, daughters Phoebe, 21 and Amber, 16. The former Strictly Come Dancing presenter shared the news on social media.
The 57-year-old shared a statement to her Instagram story. In it, she 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.
Tess shared the statement on social media(Image: Instagram/Tess Daly)
“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.”
Tess has carved a successful career in showbiz over the last two decades.
She met radio DJ Vernon Key in 2001 and tied the knot in 2003 at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Horwich.
They first met during a busy time in their careers and grew closer when they were tasked with recreating a Britney Spears video together.
Tess Daly with Vernon Kay and their daughter Phoebe Kay(Image: Andrew Matthews – Pool/Getty Images)
The mum-of-two appeared on Strictly Come Dancing since 2004, first alongside TV legend Sir Bruce Forsyth and later joined by Claudia Winkleman. Sir Bruce died in 2017 after more that 75 years in the showbiz industry and Tess gave a heartfelt tribute at the time.
Tess has become a familiar name to UK audiences, and made headlines when she announced her decision to leave Strictly last year.
In a statement on Instagram, Tess and Claudia said: “We have loved working as a duo and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream. We were always going to leave together and now feels like the right time.
“We will have the greatest rest of this amazing series and we just want to say an enormous thank you to the BBC and to every single person who works on the show. They’re the most brilliant team and we’ll miss them every day.
“We will cry when we say the last “keep dancing” but we will continue to say it to each other. Just possibly in tracksuit bottoms at home while holding some pizza. Tess and Claud.”