Tess Daly and Vernon Kay Announce Separation After 22 Years of Marriage
The former Strictly Come Dancing host and BBC Radio 2 presenter posted a joint statement on Instagram confirming their split. The couple, who married in September 2003, said the decision was mutual with no other parties involved and that they remain committed co-parents.
BBC NewsTess Daly and Vernon Kay have jointly announced they are to separate amicably after 22 years of marriage. " Tess Daly and Vernon Kay said they will not be making any further public comments. They married in September 2003.
BBC News reported that Tess Daly hosted BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing with Claudia Winkleman until they signed off in December 2025, having announced they were leaving two months earlier. In November 2025 Tess Daly was made an MBE for services to broadcasting.
Vernon Kay has been hosting Radio 2's weekday morning show since 2023 after he took over from Ken Bruce, and his programme is currently the most listened to show on UK radio.
BBC News reported the couple's separation announcement, which came 12 minutes before the initial publication of its story. The statement emphasised that their roles as parents would remain their priority throughout the change.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
6 events- 2026-05-08
Tess Daly and Vernon Kay post joint Instagram statement announcing amicable separation
1 sourceBBC News - December 2025
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman sign off from Strictly Come Dancing
1 sourceBBC News - November 2025
Tess Daly awarded MBE for services to broadcasting
1 sourceBBC News - October 2025
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announce departure from Strictly Come Dancing
1 sourceBBC News - 2023
Vernon Kay takes over Radio 2 weekday morning show from Ken Bruce
1 sourceBBC News - September 2003
Tess Daly and Vernon Kay marry
1 sourceBBC News
Potential Impact
- 01
Tess Daly and Vernon Kay will continue co-parenting as their stated priority
- 02
The couple's request for privacy may limit further public discussion of their personal lives
- 03
Vernon Kay's Radio 2 show maintains its position as the UK's most listened-to programme amid personal news
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