Tess Daly and Vernon Kay have announced their separation after 22 years of marriage. The former Strictly Come Dancing presenter, 57, and the Radio 2 DJ, 51, released a joint statement on Friday evening via Instagram, confirming their decision to part ways amicably.
In the statement, the 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 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.' They added that no other parties were involved and requested privacy.
The couple met at a BBC Christmas party in 2001 while working as up-and-coming TV presenters. Kay proposed on Christmas Day 2002 at Daly's parents' home, and they married on September 12, 2003, at St Mary's Catholic Church in Horwich, near Bolton. They have two daughters, Phoebe, 21, and Amber, 16.
Daly hosted Strictly Come Dancing for 21 years before announcing her departure at the end of the 2025 series. The couple's marriage faced public scrutiny in 2010 when Kay admitted sending explicit texts to several women, apologising on his Radio 1 show. Daly later said their partnership was 'worth fighting for'.
