Tess Daly and Vernon Kay Announce Amicable Split After 21 Years of Marriage

Former Strictly Come Dancing host Tess Daly and BBC Radio 2 presenter Vernon Kay announced they are splitting up.

"After much consideration, and with a deep sense of care and respect for one another, we have made the decision to separate amicably," they posted on Instagram in a joint statement.

The couple married in September 2003. They said their decision had "not been an easy choice," but came "from a place of mutual understanding and a shared desire for what is best for both of us."

They added that they "remain great friends and most importantly, fully committed to our roles as loving and supportive parents, which will always be our priority."

Daly and Kay added that there are "no other parties involved" and asked for privacy "as we navigate this transition together."

Daly hosted BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing with Claudia Winkleman until they signed off in December 2025. They had announced they were leaving two months earlier.

Kay has hosted Radio 2's weekday morning show since 2023, after taking over from Ken Bruce. His program is currently the most listened to show on UK radio.