Former Strictly Come Dancing host Tess Daly and Vernon Kay are reportedly planning a 'quickie divorce' using online solicitors, according to insiders. The couple, who announced the end of their 23-year marriage in May, aim to keep proceedings civil and legal costs to a minimum.
A source told the Mirror: "Tess doesn't want to spend thousands on solicitors for a divorce. A friend suggested they look at getting a quickie divorce online. They don't see there's anything to fight over and know they'll agree on everything fairly."
Amicable Split from the Start
Fans were stunned when Tess, 57, and Vernon, 52, announced last month that they were ending their marriage. At the time, the Mirror reported the pair marked the end with a glass of champagne before sending their joint statement to the press. A source close to the couple said they were determined to 'keep it classy' as they entered a new chapter of their lives.
That approach has remained consistent. Merely weeks after announcing their split, the duo attended food festival Pub In The Park together. Tess has continued to wear her wedding ring, while Vernon still refers to himself as the 'other half of Tess Daly' in his social media biography.
Living Under the Same Roof as Friends
The source added: "They're still living under the same roof and have effectively re-coupled as friends. They won't be fighting over assets and will always stay close." Following 23 years of marriage and raising daughters Phoebe, 21, and Amber, 16, together, the pair are understood to be determined to avoid a protracted court dispute. Rather, they wish to split their wealth equitably and progress as friends.
Financial Details and Assets
The former pair's joint fortune is estimated at £6m. The principal family residence in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, is estimated at a reported £3m, which they purchased in 2018 for £1.18m. Vernon also possesses a £370,000 property in his native Bolton. The duo maintain shared ownership of production firm 21TV Limited, which holds approximately £740,000 in assets.
Vernon collects around £395,000 for his BBC Radio 2 programme. Prior to her exit from Strictly last year, Tess received a reported £400k annually, boosted by brand partnerships and her association with swimwear label NAIA Beach which boasts an estimated yearly revenue of half a million.
Cost of Online Divorce
Online divorces can require as little as £300 where solicitors manage all communication, plus an extra £612 court charge. The source added: "They're mates and want their friendship to stay intact. There's no point dragging things out and racking up huge legal fees. They only want the best for each other and their family. There has been no dramatic fallout, more a gradual growing apart and wanting different things."
Their union was thrust into the spotlight in 2010 when Kay confessed to sending explicit messages to five women, subsequently issuing a public apology on his Radio 1 show, which he was hosting at the time. A representative for Tess and Vernon has been approached for comment by Express.co.uk.
