Vernon Kay, the popular TV presenter, has broken his silence for the first time since the shocking announcement of his separation from wife Tess Daly after 23 years of marriage. Speaking on his radio show, Kay took a moment to thank fans and well-wishers for their support following the couple’s decision to part ways. This marks the first time he has publicly addressed their split, and the emotion behind his words shows just how deeply the situation has affected him.
In a heartfelt message to listeners, Vernon expressed gratitude on behalf of both himself and Tess, acknowledging the flood of support they have received from the public and their close friends. “I just want to say on behalf of myself and Tess, thank you, thank you for all your well-wishes. It’s been greatly appreciated,” he said on his Radio Two show on May 11, 2026.
This public statement follows the couple’s joint Instagram post on May 9, where they revealed their mutual decision to separate, after much soul-searching and personal reflection. They emphasized their commitment to continuing their roles as supportive parents to their daughters, Phoebe (21) and Amber (16), and vowed to remain friends. The announcement came as a surprise to many, as the couple had long been regarded as one of the strongest marriages in British showbiz.
A Shock Announcement After 23 Years of Marriage
Vernon and Tess’s relationship has been a constant in the British entertainment world for over two decades. They met in 2001 while working together on the children’s TV show SMTV, and their connection was immediate. After dating for a year, Vernon proposed to Tess on Christmas Day 2002. Their wedding in 2003 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Horwich was an affair to remember, and the couple was widely regarded as one of the most loved-up pairs in the public eye.
Their relationship had its ups and downs, including a highly publicized sexting scandal involving Vernon and glamour model Rhian Sugden in 2010. Tess was devastated by the revelation, and the couple faced intense scrutiny. However, they appeared to move past the scandal, with Vernon publicly apologizing and the two continuing their marriage. Despite this earlier setback, they were often seen together at events, and their family life with their two daughters seemed to provide stability.
In their statement announcing their split, the couple described their decision as one made “with deep care and respect for one another,” emphasizing the importance of their continued friendship. They wrote: “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 of what is best for both of us.”
The Strain Behind the Split: Growing Apart
While the public announcement came as a shock, sources close to the couple had revealed that they had been growing apart for some time. According to friends of the couple, the decision to separate had not come out of nowhere. Instead, it had been a gradual realization that they had different interests and priorities as they entered the next phase of their lives. A source told the Daily Mail that Vernon and Tess had “been living separate lives without meaning to,” and “they don’t really do much together anymore.”
“They had grown apart,” the source continued. “They acknowledged that and decided that life would be better if they were to split.” Despite the separation, the two remain committed to each other’s happiness and have vowed to continue raising their daughters together, as both feel it’s in their best interests. The source added, “They have so much time left and they have decided they would be happier not being together so that’s what they’ve done. It is all very, very amicable.”
Despite the end of their romantic relationship, it seems that both Vernon and Tess are determined to keep things civil, ensuring they remain good friends and parents to Phoebe and Amber. Friends have noted that both Tess and Vernon are doing their best to navigate this transition with grace, and there is no animosity between the two.
Maintaining a Civil Relationship for the Family
Vernon and Tess’s commitment to staying friends has been a consistent theme in their statements. They have made it clear that their priority is their family, and their daughters will always come first. In their joint statement, they mentioned: “We remain great friends and, most importantly, fully committed to our roles as loving and supportive parents, which will always be our priority.”
The couple’s two daughters have been “completely involved” in the conversations leading up to the decision. According to sources, Phoebe and Amber were fully aware of the situation and had been part of the discussions. The girls, now adults, are reportedly supportive of their parents’ decision, understanding that it will lead to a happier and more fulfilling future for both Vernon and Tess.
This amicable separation is a reflection of how both Vernon and Tess want to keep things civil and ensure that their family remains intact in the best possible way. It’s evident that, although they have decided to part ways, their love for their daughters and mutual respect for each other remains strong.
The Future of Vernon and Tess: Moving Forward
As Vernon and Tess navigate their new lives apart, they are both focused on moving forward. Vernon has continued to stay active in his career, hosting his popular radio show and remaining a fixture in the entertainment world. He recently thanked listeners for their support and mentioned that he is focused on his work, but also looking forward to spending more time with his family and enjoying the next chapter of his life.
For Tess, her professional life remains busy as well. She continues to be a beloved television personality and is committed to her role as a mother. Both Tess and Vernon have expressed a desire to focus on their respective careers while maintaining a positive, supportive relationship as co-parents.
While the future may look different for the couple, both seem ready to embrace the changes and continue their lives in a healthy and positive direction. Their focus on family and their mutual commitment to remaining friends after the split speaks to the strength of their bond—one that, despite the end of their marriage, will continue to thrive for the sake of their children.
Vernon Kay’s Radio Show and Public Support
Vernon’s appearance on his radio show, where he spoke publicly for the first time about the split, was a moment of vulnerability and gratitude. He took the opportunity to express his thanks to fans and listeners who have offered support during this difficult time. While the details of the split remain private, it’s clear that Vernon is focused on moving forward with his family and career in a positive way.
Though Vernon and Tess’s separation is undoubtedly one of the most talked-about topics in British entertainment at the moment, their commitment to co-parenting and maintaining a friendship will be remembered as a mature and respectful approach to what could have been a much more difficult and public breakup.
As they move forward separately, Vernon and Tess’s commitment to their daughters and mutual respect for one another sets an example for others navigating similar life changes. Despite their separation, it’s clear that they will continue to support each other in the next chapter of their lives.
