TV presenter Vernon Kay and former Strictly Come Dancing host Tess Daly recently announced they are separating after 22 years of marriage
Vernon Kay and Tess Daly attend the first “Midsummer Party” hosted by Elton John and David Furnish to raise funds for the Elton John Aids Foundation at the Villa Dorane(Image: Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images for EJAF)
Vernon Kay addressed his shocking separation from Tess Daly as he returned to his Radio 2 programme today.
The 52 year old broadcaster and former Strictly presenter Tess, 57, revealed they were ‘amicably’ bringing their 22-year marriage to an end in a surprise joint statement released on Friday, 8 May.
As Vernon went back to work just days after the bombshell announcement, the television and radio personality took a moment to acknowledge fans at the beginning of his programme.
He shared with listeners: “I just want to say on behalf of me and Tess thank you for your well wishes. it’s been greatly appreciated.”
The presenter then quickly moved forward and played the opening track of his three-hour programme.
This follows the Mirror’s report that the pair have chosen to ‘keep it classy’ and remain close friends following their separation. The two were actually together when they published their split announcement on Friday evening and marked the occasion with a glass of bubbly.
The couple, who wed in September 2003 and have two daughters, Phoebe, born in October 2004, and Amber, born in May 2009, confirmed there are no third parties involved in their decision, reports OK!.
In their joint statement posted on Instagram, they explained: “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.
“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.”
Following the announcement of their separation, a friend close to the pair revealed they no longer share much common ground, suggesting the couple have “aged differently.”
Speaking to the Mail, the source explained: “Tess needs to find a rich, older man with a yacht, while Vernon is still a big kid. He loves going out and having a good time, he loves to have a drink and a laugh.”
The insider highlighted how their interests have diverged over time. Vernon reportedly enjoys attending gigs and watching American football, while Tess is said to favour relaxing on ‘girls weekends’ and is now keen to be ‘selfish’ following her departure from Strictly Come Dancing.
The source added: “‘They are totally different people now. They used to have so much in common but things have changed. They have changed. They have aged differently.”
Tess departed her role as Strictly presenter last year after 21 years on the show, with co-host Claudia Winkleman also leaving the BBC programme.
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