Vernon Kay issues emotional first message on Tess Daly split

Vernon Kay has spoken out for the first time since his shock separation from Tess Daly.

The TV personality, 52, and former Strictly Come Dancing host, announced their split in a joint statement on Friday (8 May) after 22 years of marriage.

The celebrity pair, who share two daughters, Phoebe, 21, and Amber, 16, met in 2001 while they were making names for themselves in the showbiz world, and went on to become one of British TV's most recognisable couples.

Taking to Instagram, they wrote: "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 Daly and Vernon Kay got married in September 2003 (Karwai Tang/Getty Images)

Tess and Vernon continued: "We remain great friends and most importantly, fully committed to our roles as loving and supportive parents, which will always be our priority."

They 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."

Now, Vernon has broken his silence on the break-up while speaking to listeners on his BBC Radio 2 show on Monday (11 May).

He thanked fans for their support, as he said: "I just want to say on behalf of myself and Tess, thank you, thank you for all your well-wishes it's been greatly appreciated."

They announced their split with a statement on Friday (Instagram)

The presenter then swiftly moved on to press play on the first track of his three-hour show.

According to MailOnline, the couple were last seen publicly together in February when they hosted an episode of The One Show.

Tess and Vernon, who have presented shows both separately and together throughout their relationship, met at a BBC Christmas party in 2001.

Previously speaking about the details on Radio 2, he recalled: "Strictly Come Dancing’s Tess and I, recreated the video for Britney Spears’ 'Hit Me Baby One More Time'. That’s how we first met."

Tess and Vernon share two daughters, Phoebe, 21, and Amber, 16 (Instagram/tessdaly)

Vernon added: "Yeah, I was dressed… no, she was dressed as Geri Halliwell in the Spice Girls Union Jack dress; I was dressed as Britney Spears in the 'Hit Me Baby One More Time' video school uniform. It was in a charity shop on Shepherd’s Green, Shepherd’s Bush Green."

The former couple tied the knot in September 2003 after Vernon popped the question on Christmas Day in 2002.

Tess is best known for hosting the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing alongside Claudia Winkleman, a role she announced she was stepping down from last year. It's since been rumoured that Emma Willis has been offered the job.

Meanwhile, Vernon has been hosting Radio 2's weekday morning show since 2023 and his programme is currently the most listened to show on UK radio.