Television presenters Vernon Kay and Tess Daly have announced their separation after 22 years of marriage, confirming the news in a joint statement shared on Instagram. The couple, who met at a Christmas party in 2001 and married two years later, said the decision to part ways had been made with mutual care and respect. They stressed that no other parties were involved and requested privacy as they navigate the transition.
The statement, posted on Friday night, read: “After much consideration, and with a deep sense of care and respect for one another, we have made the decision to separate amicably. This has not been an easy choice, but it comes from a place of mutual understanding and a shared desire for what is best for both of us. We remain great friends and more importantly, fully committed to our roles as loving and supportive parents, which will always be our priority.” They added that they would not be making further public comments.
The couple share two daughters, Phoebe and Amber. Their marriage previously faced difficulties in 2010 when it was reported that Kay had sent explicit texts to glamour model Rhian Sugden. Addressing the matter on his Radio 1 show at the time, Kay described his actions as “foolish and stupid” and said he had let down his wife. Daly later spoke publicly about the ordeal, saying that after ten years together and with two children, the relationship was worth fighting for.
The pair eventually reconciled and renewed their wedding vows in the South of France to mark their tenth anniversary. Daly later recounted the surprise in an interview, explaining that Kay had arranged for their children and grandparents to fly out for the occasion without her knowledge. She described the day as full of surprises, saying she kept “pinching herself” throughout.
News of the separation brings an end to one of British television’s longest-running celebrity marriages, which began with a Christmas party meeting more than two decades ago.
