A New Chapter for Tess Daly and Vernon Kay
Tess Daly and Vernon Kay, who have been a prominent couple in the entertainment world for over 25 years, have recently announced their separation. This news has sparked a lot of interest and speculation about the reasons behind their decision to part ways. For the first time, someone close to the couple has spoken out, providing insight into the situation.
Norman Kay, Vernon’s father, shared his perspective on the split in an interview with the Daily Mail. He emphasized that the couple’s break-up was amicable and that there is no bad blood between them. Norman, who is 83 years old, lives in Bolton with his wife, Gladys, and has been in a marriage that has lasted 58 years.
Amicable Split and Family Support
According to Norman, the decision to separate came after much consideration and mutual understanding. He described the situation as a “nice split” and noted that both Tess and Vernon are doing well. He also mentioned that they have gone in different directions, which he believes is for the better.


Norman has been in regular contact with his son since the announcement, speaking to him every day. He also highlighted the importance of ensuring that everyone involved—Tess, Vernon, and their grandchildren—is okay. He added that Tess is a lovely woman and that the family wants to make sure all parties are well-adjusted.
Advice from a Father
As a long-time married man, Norman offered some advice to his son. He urged Vernon not to rush into another relationship and to take his time. He joked about his own looks, saying, “He’s a good-looking lad but not as good looking as me!” However, he is confident that everything will work out fine for both Tess and Vernon.

Norman also dismissed any rumors of a third party being involved in the split. He insisted that there is no one else involved and that Vernon is not interested in finding anyone else at the moment.
Public Statement from the Couple
In a joint statement released on May 8, Tess and Vernon expressed their decision to separate amicably. They stated that the choice was made with care and respect for each other. They emphasized their commitment to being supportive parents and asked for privacy during this time.
The 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 of 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. We will not be making any further public comments.”
A Light-hearted Take
Despite the emotional nature of the situation, Norman maintained a light-hearted approach. He joked about not visiting his son since the announcement because of the M6 motorway. He said, “We’ve not travelled down south to visit him because it means going on the M6 and I hate the M6. Motorways are not what they used to be!”

Background of the Relationship
Tess and Vernon met while presenting Top Of The Pops@Play together in 2001. They started dating shortly after and got engaged the following year on Christmas Day. Their relationship was seen as one of the strongest in showbusiness, despite some challenges along the way.
One such challenge occurred in 2010 when Vernon was caught exchanging flirtatious messages with glamour model Rhian Sugden. Tess was reportedly devastated when she learned about the messages. However, the couple managed to navigate through that period and remained together for many more years.
Final Thoughts
The separation of Tess Daly and Vernon Kay has come as a surprise to many, including their friends and colleagues. One friend remarked, “When Vernon told me, I was stunned, I didn’t see it coming, nobody did. This is going to take some getting used to.”
As they move forward, both Tess and Vernon are expected to continue their careers and focus on their family. With their strong foundation and mutual respect, it seems that they are well-equipped to handle this new chapter in their lives.






