Beloved television presenter Tess Daly is confronting significant life changes following her departure from the hit BBC show Strictly Come Dancing. After more than two decades as a fixture on the nation's screens, the 56-year-old host finds herself at a pivotal crossroads, both in her career and her personal life with husband Vernon Kay.
A Professional and Personal Pivot
Daly, who co-hosted Strictly since its inception in 2004, waved goodbye to the glitterball trophy at the end of the 2025 series. She left in a joint exit with her co-presenter Claudia Winkleman, stating it "feels like the right time". However, insiders reveal the transition has been emotionally challenging for the star, who was reportedly tearful about leaving the show that has defined her career for over twenty years.
A source close to the family explained, "He [Vernon] keeps reminding her of that, but she doesn’t want to feel she’s retired. She doesn’t want to feel like she’s hung her boots up." The sudden shift from the relentless pace of a prime-time Saturday night show has left Daly contemplating her next steps, with a strong desire to continue working.
Navigating a New Dynamic at Home
The professional change is triggering a substantial "reset" within Daly's family life. With her schedule now clearer, the dynamic at the family home in Buckinghamshire with Vernon and their two daughters—Phoebe, 21, and Amber, 16—is set to evolve. The source emphasised, "It’s going to be a real reset for them."
This comes as Vernon Kay's career is in a busy phase. The 51-year-old BBC Radio 2 presenter travels to London for his show and regularly co-hosts The One Show, meaning the couple must adjust to a new balance where Tess has more free time. "There’s going to be a lot of adjustment for her," the insider added, highlighting the "major change in the balance of family life".
Strengthening Bonds and Looking Ahead
Determined to protect her family unit, Daly is proactively focusing on her marriage of 22 years. The couple's relationship has weathered past storms, including a sexting scandal in 2010 involving glamour model Rhian Sugden, with further contact revealed in 2016. Vernon maintained there was "never any inappropriate intent".
Now, Tess is "like a lioness around her family," the source claims. "She’s insisting they have date nights and make time for each other… it helps them remember why they’re together." A top priority is a family holiday, with Mallorca cited as a favourite destination, to enjoy both family time and romantic moments.
Professionally, while no firm offers are on the table, the source suggests Daly may return to her roots in fashion and beauty, having begun her career as a successful model. "She’s going to push the reset button and see what other interests there are," they said, acknowledging that the adjustment will be "hard at first". For now, the star plans to cherish her time with family while exploring new opportunities beyond the Strictly ballroom.
