Vernon Kay breaks silence live on Radio 2 after Tess Daly split


The BBC Radio 2 presenter and former Strictly Come Dancing host have been married for 22 years and share two daughters, Phoebe and Amber, together


© Dave J Hogan/Getty Images
Abby Allen
Abby AllenTV writer
3 minutes ago
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Vernon Kay has broken his silence on BBC Radio 2 after announcing that he and Tess Daly would be parting ways after 22 years of marriage on Friday.

The 52-year-old broadcaster took to his weekday morning show on Monday, which airs from 9.30am to 12pm, to thank listeners for their support following his and Tess's, 57, joint announcement.

On Friday, the couple, who tied the knot in 2003, announced that they would "separate amicably" and reiterated that there were no other parties involved. They share two daughters, Phoebe and Amber.

Black-and-white-image of Tess Daly and Vernon Kay with their two daughters© Instagram

In his first radio show since the news, Vernon said on Monday: "I just want to say on behalf of me and Tess, thank you for all your well wishes, it has been greatly, greatly appreciated."

WATCH: Vernon Kay and Tess Daly's relationship story

Vernon and Tess announce their split

The shock announcement of the famous pair's split came on Friday, when the duo took to Instagram.

The post 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.

Statement from Tess Day and Vernon Kay
Tess and Vernon's announcement

"We remain great friends and more importantly, fully committed to our roles as loving and supportive parents, which will always be our priority."

They also added: "There are no other parties involved in this decision. We kindly ask for privacy during this time as we navigate this transition together. We will not be making any further public comments. Tess and Vernon."

WINDSOR, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 12: Tess Daly with her husband Vernon Kay and their daughter Phoebe Kay (left) after she was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire at an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on November 12, 2025 in Windsor, England. (Photo by Andrew Matthews - Pool/Getty Images)© Getty Images
Tess with Vernon and their daughter Phoebe in November 2025

Fans react to the news

Fans were quick to react to the news on social media, with many X fans penning their shock. "Finding it really difficult to get through today what with the Vernon and Tess news," said one person, while another fan said: "This is so sad to hear. I love Tess. I hope they get the privacy they need as it is not easy splitting up especially when there are children involved."

Vernon Kay wearing a blue suit and Tess Daly in a red dress© Mike Marsland/WireImage

A third added: "Sad news. Tess and Vernon have been part of the UK TV furniture for such a long time that this feels genuinely strange to read. Hope they and their family get the space to handle it privately."

Vernon's past comments about their marriage

This isn't the first time Vernon has publicly addressed his marriage on the radio. Back in 2010, the presenter apologised on his Radio 1 show after sending explicit text messages to around five women.

Interrupting the programme, Vernon apologised to his two million listeners, saying he had been "foolish and stupid" and that he had "disappointed and let down a lot of people".

He added: "To my family and everybody else, I am very sorry."

Vernon Kay black top on M&S Dress The Nation© ITV
Vernon apologised on air in 2010

In an interview a month later, Tess said: "At the end of the day, we've had 10 great years together, we've got two beautiful kids and we both think that's worth fighting for.

"Dealing with it in private is difficult enough, but dealing with it in public is even harder.

"I've had so much support from everyone that I meet really, not just family and friends, that has really touched me a lot and has been amazing."

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