Vernon Kay's dad confirms sad circumstances of Tess Daly marriage split

Vernon Kay’s father Norman has opened up on his son’s split from his wife Tess Daly, explaining that it happened ‘for the better’.

The radio and TV star, 52, and former Strictly Come Dancing host, 57, announced they would be going their separate ways after more than 22 years of marriage, in a joint statement shared on 8 May.

The celebrity pairing, who share two daughters, Phoebe, 21, and Amber, 16, wrote on Instagram: “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.”

Tess and Vernon announced their shock separation earlier this month (Instagram/tessdaly)

They added: “We remain great friends and most importantly, fully committed to our roles as loving and supportive parents, which will always be our priority.”

Tess and Vernon signed off with: “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.”

Since then, aside from thanking fans for their support, the pair haven’t shared any further details on the break-up.

But now, speaking to the Daily Mail, Norman, 83, has issued an update on how the former couple are doing and why their separation came to be.

He told the publication: “There is no bad blood.

“Of course, it's sad when people split up and we're all very fond of Tess. They made a lovely couple.

“But it's an amicable split and there is no bad blood between them. They have just gone in different directions, that's all.”

Norman confirmed there's 'no bad blood' (Dave M. Benett/Getty Images)

Norman added: “Sometimes these things happen for the better, and this is one of those cases.”

He revealed that he and his wife, Vernon's mother Gladys, have been on the phone to the Radio 2 DJ and TV presenter every day since the split was announced.

Norman joked: “He's old enough and ugly enough to know what he's doing! I've been speaking to him on a daily basis and so has his mum.

“Tess is a lovely woman, and we want to make sure everyone is all right in this - her, Vernon, and obviously our grandchildren. And I can tell you that they are.”

Issuing some advice to Vernon, he added: “I have been married a long time, much longer than Vernon and Tess were.

“My advice to him is not to rush into another relationship and he's not doing that because he's got plenty of time.”

The pair said the decision had 'not been an easy choice' (Instagram/@tessdaly)

Norman joked: “He's a good-looking lad but not as good looking as me!

“But he's not as old as me and will come out well from this situation. I'm sure that everything will work out fine for them both.”

He also made sure to shut down any suggestion of third-party involvement, as he clarified: “That's absolutely 100 percent rubbish.

“He's not interested in finding anyone else at the moment, and there is nobody else involved.”

Tyla has contacted representatives of Tess and Vernon for comment.