Tess Daly is facing a period of significant adjustment following her departure from Strictly Come Dancing, both professionally and personally. The 56-year-old presenter, who co-hosted the BBC show for two decades, is said to be navigating a 'reset' in her marriage to Vernon Kay as she adjusts to a new pace of life.
A source close to the couple revealed that Vernon, 51, has been reminding Tess of her remarkable career achievements, but she is struggling with the idea of retirement. 'She doesn't want to feel like she's hung her boots up,' the source said. 'She is sad about leaving Strictly and was tearful about it, but life changes.'
The shift in family dynamics is also a key concern, as Tess now has more time at home while Vernon commutes from Buckinghamshire to London for his Radio 2 show and co-hosting duties on The One Show. 'It's going to be a real reset for them,' the source added. 'There's going to be a lot of adjustment for her.'
Tess is reportedly determined to prioritise her relationship with Vernon, insisting on date nights and family holidays to maintain their bond. The couple, who married in 2003, have faced past challenges, including Vernon's sexting scandal in 2010 and renewed contact with the same woman in 2016. 'She's like a lioness around her family and is not going to let anything get between them,' the source said.
Tess and Claudia Winkleman announced their joint departure from Strictly in October, stating they had always planned to leave together. Tess has hosted the show since its inception in 2004, first alongside Sir Bruce Forsyth and later with Claudia. Despite the bittersweet nature of her exit, Tess is said to be hopeful about the future, with the source noting, 'She's very ambitious.'
