Tess Daly and Vernon Kay separating after 22 years of marriage

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Former Strictly Come Dancing host Tess Daly and BBC Radio 2 presenter Vernon Kay have jointly announced they are splitting up.

"After much consideration, and with a deep sense of care and respect for one another, we have made the decision to separate amicably," they posted on Instagram in a joint statement.

The couple married in September 2003, and said their decision had "not been an easy choice", but came "from a place of mutual understanding and a shared desire for what is best for both of us".

They added that they "remain great friends and most importantly, fully committed to our roles as loving and supportive parents, which will always be our priority".

Daly and Kay added that there are "no other parties involved" and asked for privacy "as we navigate this transition together".

They added they will not be making any further public comments.

Daly hosted BBC One's hugely popular Strictly Come Dancing with Claudia Winkleman until they signed off in December 2025, having announced they were leaving two months earlier.

In November 2025 she was made an MBE for services to broadcasting.

Kay has been hosting Radio 2's weekday morning show since 2023, after he took over from Ken Bruce and his programme is currently the most listened to show on UK radio.