The real reason behind Tess Daly and Vernon Kay‘s shock split has been revealed after the seemingly strong couple announced they were separating on Friday, after 23 years together. The news was shared via a joint statement on social media, in which both of the TV presenters insisted they would be divorcing “amicably”.
A friend of the couple has now confirmed there was no dramatic fall-out, but the pair have slowly drifted apart and have realised they are at different stages of their life. Tess, 57, and Vernon, 52, have a five year age gap, which seemed unimportant when they married in 2003, but it appears to have ‘widened’ over recent years.
3View 3 ImagesVernon Kay and Tess Daly have called time on their marriage(Image: Getty Images for EJAF)
3View 3 ImagesThe couple have vowed to separate amicably(Image: Getty Images)
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As reported by the Mail, a friend close to the couple admitted they don’t have a lot in common anymore, and they’ve “aged differently.” The source said: “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.”
According to the insider, Vernon and Tess’ interests are different, with him wanting to spend time at gigs and watching American football. In the last year alone he went to see Oasis five times during their reunion tour – but not once with Tess. Tess is said to prefer to relax on ‘girls weekends’ and is ready to be ‘selfish’ herself now that she has left Strictly Come Dancing.
They said: “‘They are totally different people now,’ says the friend. ‘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.”
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.
Despite Vernon’s previous betrayal of Tess’ trust, when he was caught in a sexting scandal with former Page 3 girl Rhian Sugden, the former couple insisted in their statement that “no other parties” were involved. Instead, the pair have celebrated their marriage and their two daughters, Phoebe, 21, and Amber, 16 – even toasting their split with a glass of champagne.
A source close to the couple told 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.”
Their carefully curated joint statement read: “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.
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“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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