Beloved television presenter Tess Daly is navigating a significant life transition following her departure from Strictly Come Dancing, with sources indicating a major 'reset' is underway both for her career and her long-term marriage.
A New Chapter After Two Decades on Strictly
Daly, 56, waved goodbye to the BBC's flagship dance competition after the 2025 series, ending a remarkable 22-year tenure. The exit, which she announced jointly with co-host Claudia Winkleman in October, marks a sudden shift for the star who has been a fixture on Saturday night television since the show began in 2004.
"It's bittersweet," a source revealed. "Although Tess has had the most amazing career, she's really sad to be leaving Strictly. The show is all she's known." The insider added that Daly was tearful about her decision but acknowledges that 'life changes'.
Marriage and Family Life in Focus
With more time now spent at the family home in Buckinghamshire, dynamics with her husband of 22 years, BBC Radio 2 presenter Vernon Kay, 51, and their two daughters, Phoebe, 21, and Amber, 16, are evolving.
"It's going to be a real reset for them," the source claimed, noting Vernon's busy schedule hosting his radio show and co-hosting The One Show. "Vernon's got a very busy schedule now and Tess is going to have more time on her hands, so there's going to be a lot of adjustment."
The couple, who met in 2001, have endured public challenges, including a sexting scandal involving Vernon and model Rhian Sugden in 2010, with contact reportedly reoccurring in 2016. Vernon maintained there was "never any inappropriate intent".
Determined to protect her family, Tess is proactively prioritising the relationship. "She's insisting they have date nights and make time for each other," the source said, describing her as a "lioness around her family" who is "not going to let anything get between them".
Future Career Ambitions and Family Plans
Professionally, Daly is not ready to retire. "She doesn't want to feel like she's hung her boots up," the source explained. While no firm offers are on the table, there is speculation she may return to her roots in fashion and beauty, having begun her career as a successful model.
In the immediate term, a top priority is a family holiday, with Mallorca cited as a favourite destination. "They like to go [away] with the girls," the source shared, "But they also enjoy having a romantic time together."
As she steps away from the glitterball, Tess Daly is embracing a period of recalibration, focusing on her family while keeping a keen eye on new opportunities beyond the Strictly ballroom.
