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Vernon Kay has addressed fans for the first time after the shock news of his and Tess Daly’s marriage split after 23 years together.
The showbiz couple tied the knot 23 years ago and share two daughters – Phoebe, 21 and Amber, 16. But last week, they shared a joint statement that they were amicably separating after more than two decades together.
Although the Strictly star, 57, and radio host, 52, didn’t share the reason for their break-up, the pair confirmed ‘no other parties were involved in this decision’, and they remain ‘fully committed’ to their role as parents.
Vernon has emerged publicly for the first time since the announcement to host his Radio 2 show, where he thanked well-wishers on Monday morning.
‘I just want to say on behalf of myself and Tess, thank you, thank you for all your well-wishes, it’s been greatly appreciated,’ he said before diving into the programme.
Meanwhile, according to new reports, not only was the mutual decision friendly, but the former couple even celebrated the moment they publicly shared the news.
‘After they released the statement, Vernon and Tess took a moment to toast each other and their futures,’ a source revealed, with the duo clinking champagne flutes to mark the occasion.
They continued to The Mirror: ‘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.’
It is understood they are still living together in their six-bedroom home in Buckinghamshire as they look toward this next phase of their lives.
This year has marked a huge change for the family after Tess bid adieu to her role as Strictly Come Dancing host, bringing her 22-year run to an end with a flourish.
Tess Daly and Vernon Kay's split statement in full
'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 Daly and Vernon Kay's relationship - key events
2001 - Tess and Vernon meet while Vernon is working at Channel 4 and Tess is at ITV
2002 - Vernon proposes on Christmas Day at Tess' parents' home
2003 - they marry at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Vernon's hometown, Horwich, near Bolton
2004 - first daughter Phoebe is born
2009 - second daughter Amber is born
2010 - Vernon admits to sending explicit messages to Page 3 model Rhian Sugden and other women for four months
2010 - a month later, Tess addresses the sexting scandal, insisting that their marriage was 'worth fighting' for
2013 - Vernon surprises Tess with a vow renewal in the South of France, 10 years on from their first wedding
2017 - Tess says their marriage is a constant 'work in progress'
2020 - appearing on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!, Vernon says his infidelity is 'in the past' and has been 'forgotten about', adding that they've 'moved on'
2025 - Vernon celebrates as Tess receives her MBE in one of their final major public appearances together
February 2026 - the couple appear on screens together for the last time, co-hosting BBC's The One Show
May 2026 - Tess and Vernon announce that, 'after much consideration', they have separated 'amicably'
Then, earlier this year, daughter Phoebe moved to New York, with Vernon reflecting on their shifting family dynamics.
‘Now that Phoebe is 21 and Amber is nearly 17, our relationship with them is changing. We talk about encouraging them to leave the nest and be independent, but we don’t really want them to,’ the media personality told The Times just two weeks ago.
In recent weeks, the pair have been absent from one another’s social media, with their last photos together from 10 weeks ago when they co-hosted The One Show.
Just before that, they were even taking a trip down memory lane (they met at a BBC Christmas party all those years ago) after they visited the main building and shared a selfie with the caption: ‘Back where it all began at Television Centre. Always brings back such lovely memories.’
They are yet to make any major public appearances since the news of their split, with Tess not attending the Baftas with her co-star Claudia on Sunday night.
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