Rhian Sugden stepped out for a date night with her husband Oliver Mellor on Wednesday, following the resurfacing of her involvement in Tess Daly and Vernon Kay's separation. The couple's shock split was announced this month, 16 years after Vernon's sexting scandal with former glamour model Rhian, 39.
Vernon and Tess Announce Separation
Vernon, 52, and Tess, 57, revealed their separation this month, stating they had agonised over the decision but remained committed to supporting their daughters, Phoebe, 21, and Amber, 16. In 2010, Vernon publicly apologised to Tess on BBC Radio 1 after saucy messages sent to Rhian came to light.
Rhian and Oliver's Date Night
Rhian, now married to Oliver and mother to their two-year-old son George, looked stylish as they headed out amid the drama. She wore a chic black and pink co-ord with pointed heels, while Oliver, 45, donned a smart suit jacket.
Tess and Vernon have aimed to show their split is amicable, but reports suggest Tess feels the ghost of Rhian has lingered over their marriage since the scandal. In 2020, Rhian claimed the sexting scandal ruined her career, lamenting that Vernon got away with it after apologising. She said it still made her feel sick that he returned to his presenting duties and wished she had never met him.
Vernon promised live on air to cease contact with Rhian and four other women he had messaged. He continued hosting his radio show and presenting All Star Family Fortunes after the scandal. Rhian later spoke out in a Channel 4 documentary, stating: 'He just got away with it. It ruined everything for me. I felt like I was going up and up with my career, and then that came along. I wish I'd never met him.'
Vernon Breaks Silence on Split
Vernon addressed the split on his BBC Radio 2 show, thanking well-wishers for their support. The Mirror reported the pair are keeping it classy, still living together in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire. A source said: 'After they released the statement, Vernon and Tess took a moment to toast each other and their futures. They only want the best for each other and their family. There has been no big fallout, more a gradual growing apart.'
The couple began dating in 2001, with Vernon proposing on Christmas Day 2002.
