Tess Daly and Vernon Kay have announced their amicable separation after 23 years of marriage, with friends revealing the couple gradually grew apart over time
(Image: Getty Images for EJAF)
The true reason behind Tess Daly and Vernon Kay’s surprising split has emerged after the seemingly solid couple announced their separation on Friday, following 23 years together. The news came via a joint statement on social media, with both TV presenters insisting they would be divorcing “amicably”.
A close friend of the pair has now revealed there was no explosive row, but rather the couple have gradually grown apart and come to realise they’re at different points in their lives. Tess, 57, and Vernon, 52, have a five-year age gap, which appeared insignificant when they wed in 2003, but it seems to have become more pronounced in recent years.
According to the Mail, a source close to the couple acknowledged they no longer share many common interests, and they’ve “aged differently.” The insider 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 source revealed that Vernon and Tess’ pastimes have diverged, with him keen to attend gigs and watch American football. Over the past year alone, he attended Oasis five times during their reunion tour – never once accompanied by Tess. Meanwhile, Tess is said to favour unwinding on ‘girls weekends’ and is now ready to prioritise herself following her departure from Strictly Come Dancing. According to a friend: “‘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 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. He loves the ’90s disco nights that he puts on. He loves football, American football and Oasis. Tess isn’t interested in any of that”, reports the Mirror.
Looking back over recent times, Radio 2 DJ Vernon has spent lots of time socialising without his wife, attending the Brit Awards with Noel Gallagher and enjoying his 90s DJing nights.
While Vernon previously broke Tess’ trust during a sexting scandal involving former Page 3 model Rhian Sugden, the former couple made it clear in their statement that “no other parties” were involved in their separation. The pair have instead focused on celebrating their marriage and their two daughters, Phoebe, 21, and Amber, 16 – reportedly even raising a glass of champagne to mark their split.
An insider close to the pair revealed to the Mirror: “After they released the statement, Vernon and Tess took a moment to toast each other and their futures. They only want the best for each other and their family.
“There has been no big fallout, more a gradual growing apart and wanting different things. They have vowed to stay friends and to keep things classy when it comes to the split and any future interviews they give. They only want the best for each other.”
In a thoughtfully worded joint statement, the pair revealed: “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 most 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.”
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