Tess Daly's departure from Strictly Come Dancing after 21 years may pave the way for her husband Vernon Kay to pursue a second attempt at breaking into the US television market. The radio presenter has previously admitted his earlier efforts stateside were hampered by inexperience.
Speaking on Annie MacManus's podcast Changes last year, Kay said: 'I'd like another crack at America because I think I messed up. I did three network shows... I think looking back, I was inexperienced. I'd like another go at a game show in America.' His previous roles on ABC and NBC each lasted only one series.
PR expert Mark Borkowski told the Mirror that Tess Daly now has a 'blank canvas' for her career. 'Her exit timing feels deliberate – just when Strictly starts to show its age. If she plays it right, this is her Madonna reinvention phase,' he said. 'The US rumours make sense – she has the polish and credibility to slip into glossy network formats.'
Borkowski praised the joint departure announcement by Daly and Claudia Winkleman as a 'masterclass'. He added: 'They didn't wait for the format to fail them. They left with rhythm intact, brands unsmudged, dignity trending.'
In their announcement video, Daly and Winkleman expressed gratitude to the Strictly team and audience. Daly noted the show had been part of their lives since their children were 'babes in arms'. The pair will continue hosting the current series, including the upcoming Blackpool episode.
