Who Is Tess Daly’s Husband, Vernon Kay?
Tess Daly’s husband is Vernon Kay a tall, charming broadcaster with that unmistakable Bolton accent and a knack for making everyone feel like they’re chatting over a pint. The two met in the early 2000s at a BBC Christmas event and tied the knot in 2003. They’ve been Britain’s golden TV couple ever since like the elegant yin and cheeky yang of showbiz pairings.
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Vernon’s career started in modeling before he found his groove as a presenter. You might remember him hosting All-Star Family Fortunes, Splash!, and plenty of other Saturday-night hits.
These days, he lights up the airwaves on BBC Radio 2. He’s even dabbled in reality TV finishing in an impressive third place on I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! back in 2020. And through it all, Tess has been his biggest supporter (and occasional gentle teaser about his dance moves).
Who Is Tess Daly?
Tess Daly, born Helen Elizabeth Daly on March 29, 1969, in Stockport, England, is one of the UK’s most beloved TV hosts. She started her career as a model, working in Paris and New York before her warm, confident presence landed her a spot on TV. Eventually, she found her true home under the Strictly Come Dancing disco ball, a role she’s held for 21 years.
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It’s easy to see why audiences adore her. She brings that perfect mix of poise and approachability never too polished, never too casual. In interviews, she’s talked about how surreal it felt standing beside legends like Sir Bruce Forsyth and Claudia Winkleman. Off-camera, she’s a mum of two teenage daughters and a fan of low-key nights at home, often in joggers (she says so herself!).
Is Tess Daly Leaving Strictly Come Dancing?
Yes, after 21 glittering years, Tess Daly has confirmed she’s leaving Strictly Come Dancing. Honestly, it feels like the end of an era. She and Claudia Winkleman officially announced on October 23, 2025, that this season would be their last. The news hit fans like a glitter cannon to the heart: a mix of pride, nostalgia, and soft disbelief.
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In their joint Instagram video, they admitted they’d “always planned to leave together,” calling the past two decades “an absolute dream.” They thanked the BBC, the cast, the crew and promised they’d still say “Keep dancing” to each other at home while eating pizza in trackies. You have to love that image: the queens of ballroom telly trading sequins for slippers.
Why Is Tess Daly Leaving Strictly?
In her words, it’s time “to hand over the reins.” After two decades of sequins, spray tans, and Saturday night sparkle, Tess wants to slow things down a little and explore new opportunities. Reportedly, she and Claudia planned to leave together a decision they made long ago, keeping things classy and united until the end.
There’s even quiet chatter that Tess and Vernon might spend more time in the US. Vernon has mentioned on a podcast that he’d like to “have another crack at America,” and since Tess once lived in New York during her modeling days, the idea doesn’t sound far-fetched.
Would she swap the Strictly ballroom for Hollywood? Maybe not entirely, but after 21 years of glitter and confetti cannons, a little sunshine and fresh scenery wouldn’t hurt.
How Old Is Tess Daly?
Tess Daly is 56 years old, born on March 29, 1969. Honestly, though, she looks about ten years younger and credits much of that to her balanced lifestyle rather than strict diets. She’s often said she believes in “moderation, laughter, and good lighting.” Not bad advice, really
How Old Is Vernon Kay?
Vernon Kay was born on April 28, 1974, making him 51 years old. He’s aged pretty gracefully too tall, polished, effortlessly casual in that Bolton bloke way. These two make a power couple without ever trying too hard. Between Tess’s elegance and Vernon’s cheeky grin, it’s easy to see why they’ve remained one of Britain’s favorite TV pairs for over two decades.
Tess Daly and Vernon Kay: Relationship and Family
Their story began in 2001 at a BBC event classic meet-cute territory. A couple of years later, they were married, and today, they’re proud parents to two daughters: Phoebe, 21, and Amber, 16. Both have grown up largely out of the spotlight, something Tess and Vernon have deliberately maintained.
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Despite the occasional tabloid drama (because what public couple escapes that?), they’ve weathered the years with grace. They share mutual respect, humor, and an easy friendship the kind that makes their marriage look quietly strong rather than loudly perfect.
They live between London and Buckinghamshire and love simple home comforts: home-cooked dinners, family movie nights, and country walks with their dogs.
Disclaimer: Information is based on publicly available sources as of October 2025 and may be subject to change.
