Vernon Kay thanks Radio 2 listeners for well wishes after Tess Daly split
By Laura Harding, Press Association Entertainment Editor
Vernon Kay has thanked BBC Radio 2 listeners for their support after his split from Tess Daly.
The couple, who married in September 2003 and have two daughters, announced the end of their marriage on Friday.
They said in a joint statement that they will “separate amicably” after 22 years of marriage, adding there are no other parties involved in the decision.
Opening his Radio 2 show on Monday, Kay said: “I just want to say on behalf of me and Tess, thank you for all your well wishes, it has been greatly, greatly appreciated.”
In a statement shared on Instagram on Friday, the two said: “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 more 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 as we navigate this transition together.
“We will not be making any further public comments. Tess and Vernon.”
The former Strictly Come Dancing presenter, 57, and the BBC Radio 2 DJ, 52, are parents to daughter Phoebe, born in October 2004, and Amber, born in May 2009.
Both are former models who carved out successful careers as presenters.
Their marriage made headlines in 2010 when Kay admitted he sent explicit texts to around five women, going on to apologise to hundreds of thousands of listeners on the Radio 1 show he hosted at the time.
He interrupted the programme to tell his two million listeners he had been “foolish and stupid”.
However, a month later, Daly said their partnership was “worth fighting for” because they had had “10 great years together” and shared “two beautiful kids”.
