In a recent episode of Giovanna Fletcher’s Happy Mum Happy Baby podcast, Tess Daly contemplated life without her two daughters, Phoebe and AmberLONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 18: (L to R) Vernon Kay, Phoebe Elizabeth Kay and Tess Daly attend the UK Launch of 'Gin & Juice By Dre and Snoop' at Flipper's Roller Boogie Palace on July 18, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Dave Benett/ Getty Images for Gin & Juice by Dre and Snoop)Tess Daly has admitted she wouldn’t mind being a “younger grandma”
(Image: Dave Benett/ Getty Images for Gi)

Tess Daly has admitted she wouldn’t mind being a “younger grandma” as she reflected on how she needs to “get a move on”. Tess, who shares two daughters, Phoebe and Amber, with her husband, BBC Radio 2 star Vernon Kay, recently opened up about her role as a dedicated mum and how her life had ultimately been “defined by them”.

In a recent episode of Giovanna Fletcher’s Happy Mum Happy Baby podcast (October 14), the Strictly host contemplated life without them as they inevitably get older, despite her remarking that they’re “always coming back”.

It would lead to a chat about the prospect of Tess becoming a grandmother, something she believes will “happen within the decade”, but it seems that she has plans before this becomes a reality.

Giovanna said: “I wonder if this period of time is one that you’ve actually got to make the most of once they go because, soon enough…well, it will go like a flash, I imagine. You might become a grandma.”

ROME, ITALY - APRIL 14:  Tess Daly (L) and daughters Phoebe Kay and Amber Kay attend the ABB FIA Formula E CBMM Niobium Rome E-Prix 2018 on April 14, 2018 in Rome, .  (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Formula E)Tess believes it will “happen within the decade”
(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images for Formula E)

A seemingly shocked Tess replied: “Oh my God”, as Giovanna assured her that “we’re not there” yet. Tess responded by highlighting that they could be “very close.”

She added: “I wouldn’t mind being a younger grandma”, while Giovanna noted that she should have a “decade of just cramming” in all the things she wants to do before this happens.

Tess continued: “Yeah, because actually, if you think about it, it’s probably going to happen within the decade. So, I need to get a move on. I’m going to start Googling short breaks; short European breaks.”

It could well be the perfect time to plan such a trip, as she and fellow Strictly host Claudia Winkleman yesterday announced they would be leaving the BBC show at the end of the current series, after serving on the show for 21 years.

In a statement on Instagram, the pair said they “loved working as a duo and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream”, adding they were “always going to leave together” and it felt like the “right time”.

ANTIBES, FRANCE - JULY 24: Vernon Kay and Tess Daly attend the first “Midsummer Party” hosted by Elton John and David Furnish to raise funds for the Elton John Aids Foundation at the Villa Dorane on July 24, 2019 in Antibes, France. (Photo by Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images for EJAF)Tess shares two daughters, Phoebe and Amber, with her husband, Vernon Kay
(Image: Getty Images for EJAF)

In a separate statement, Tess said: “After 21 unforgettable years, the time has come to say goodbye to Strictly Come Dancing. It’s hard to put it into words what this show has meant to me, so here goes.

“Strictly has been more than just a television programme. It’s felt like having a third child, a second family, and a huge part of my life since that very first show back in 2004. I knew then it was something special, but I could never have imagined the magic it would bring.”

In a response, ex-Family Fortunes star Vernon liked the post and took to the comments to share a string of red heart emojis. He also shared the news on his Instagram story with a ‘Breaking News’ GIF.

Vernon followed up with an illustration of Tess and Claudia, which was captioned: “What a fantastic duo they have been.”