Vernon Kay has opened up about his unexpected separation from wife Tess Daly on his radio show, after breaking his silence following the announcement. The couple, who shocked fans with their split on Friday, emphasized their commitment to being supportive parents to their daughters, Phoebe, 21, and Amber, 16.
During his appearance on BBC Radio 2, Vernon thanked fans for their outpouring of support: “On behalf of myself and Tess, thank you for your well-wishes; it’s been greatly appreciated.” The radio host, seen smiling while heading to the London studio, appeared composed amid the emotional turmoil.
The pair, who have been married for 23 years, surprised the public with the news of their separation. Despite the end of their romantic relationship, sources say the couple is still living in their Beaconsfield mansion, with a strong focus on maintaining family harmony.
One source close to the couple revealed that the couple’s separation came after “a gradual growing apart,” noting that while their interests no longer aligned, they have resolved to remain friends and committed parents. “There’s been no fallout—just a mutual understanding of wanting different things,” the source said.
In a joint Instagram post, Vernon and Tess shared a toast to each other and their futures. The couple, who met in 2001, had been living separate lives before the split, despite maintaining a picture-perfect public image. Vernon and Tess both emphasized their desire for privacy during this time, with no third party involved in the decision.
Tess and Vernon’s split is being handled with class, with both parties focused on remaining amicable and prioritizing their daughters’ well-being. A friend of the couple commented, “They are both really happy now, and the decision to split was made together, with their family fully involved.”
After much consideration, the couple released a heartfelt statement saying, “We remain great friends and fully committed to our roles as loving and supportive parents, which will always be our priority. We ask for privacy during this time.”
Their decision to part ways comes as a surprise to many, with one friend expressing disbelief, saying, “I didn’t see this coming. It’s going to take some getting used to.”
Despite the shock, Tess and Vernon are determined to move forward and remain a united front for their daughters. “They’ve had more than two decades of laughs, and they are extremely proud of their girls,” a friend shared. “They know that splitting is for the best.”
For now, the couple is focused on their futures, with no immediate plans for legal action but the possibility of involving divorce lawyers in the future.
