Vernon Kay addressed a family dynamic change just days before announcing his split from former Strictly Come Dancing presenter Tess Daly. Vernon and Tess announced their split on Friday, ending their 22-year relationship.
The former couple, who exchanged vows at St Mary’s Church in Horwich back in 2003, share daughters Phoebe, 21, and Amber, 16. The pair reside in Buckinghamshire with Amber, while Phoebe has headed to New York to pursue her studies.
Vernon, who is married to former Strictly Come Dancing presenter Tess Daly, opened up while discussing his changing bond with their two daughters, Phoebe, 21, and Amber, 16. Vernon and Tess, much like countless parents, have discussed their daughters spreading their wings and becoming “independent”, though it seems neither is genuinely prepared for the reality.
Vernon admitted he’s had to work out how to “enter their world” – a landscape filled with certain “pitfalls” that he and Tess never faced – including one especially concerning contemporary issue. During a recent conversation, he observed that “your babies will always be your babies”, while recognising that the modern world presents challenges of which they remain “acutely aware”.
Vernon told The Times: “Now that Phoebe is 21 and Amber is nearly 17, our relationship with them is changing. We talk about encouraging them to leave the nest and be independent, but we don’t really want them to. You have to learn to enter their world and that world has pitfalls that just didn’t exist for us.
View 4 ImagesVernon reflected on the evolving nature of his relationship with their two children(Image: Dave Benett/ Getty Images for Gi)
“When Phoebe started going out, we became acutely aware of drink spiking. I think that just didn’t happen in the Nineties.” Last month, Phoebe revealed her move to New York on TikTok, sharing footage of herself dancing with the city’s iconic skyline behind her, showcasing the Empire State Building.
She wrote: “NYC has my hearttt! Lucky to call it home for a while.” Her mum and dad flew to America earlier this year to see her, with Tess documenting their visit on Instagram, sharing pictures of a pancake breakfast and trips to art galleries. Tess, who called New York home during the 1990s, said: “I love NYC. Maximised every minute on a whirlwind half-term trip and fell in love with this magical city all over again.”
On Friday Vernon and Tess revealed they were going their separate ways. The pair reportedly toasted their new lives apart as they confirmed their marriage was over.
View 4 ImagesVernon Kay has shed light on a family shift he and his wife “don’t want”(Image: Getty Images)
As reported by the Mirror, the pair are said to have decided to “keep it classy” and were even said to be together when they hit publish on their joint statement.
A source close to the couple said: “After they released the statement, Vernon and Tess made a toast and they also toasted 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.”
The pair are still said to be living together in their six-bedroom home in Buckinghamshire. Although it is believed Vernon will eventually upsticks and move closer to London, where his Radio 2 programme is broadcast from.
View 4 ImagesVernon said he’s had to work out how to “enter their world”(Image: Getty Images)
Insiders pointed to the fact the pair hosted The One Show at the end of February as proof they still get on well. There were no signs on screen of any issues between the pair. Tess even shared a selfie of them outside Television Studios to Instagram and wrote: “Back where it all began at television Centre. Always brings back such lovely memories.”
Announcing their split on Friday, the pair said: “After much consideration, and with a deep sense of care and respect for one another, we have made the decision to separate amicably.”
The pair, who married in 2003, said it had “not been an easy choice”, but it came “from a place of mutual understanding and a shared desire for what is best for both of us”.
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They stressed there were “no other parties involved”. They added they will “remain great friends and most importantly, fully committed to our roles as loving and supportive parents, which will always be our priority”.