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In a move that stunned the nation, Tess Daly announced her departure from Strictly Come Dancing after a remarkable 21-year stint. The surprising revelation comes just two months after her husband of over two decades, Vernon Kay, confessed his unwavering dedication to watching every episode of Strictly to ensure Tess is alright.

The BBC Radio 2 presenter elaborated on his commitment, stating that he always has the dance show on, regardless of his location or work commitments. Vernon, aged 51, admitted: "I rarely go out when Strictly's on because I want to make sure everything's alright. If I'm working, I have it on at the side of the stage."

However, insiders suggest that Tess - mother to daughters Phoebe, 21, and Amber, 16, with Vernon - is eagerly anticipating spending more quality time with her family. A source revealed: "Strictly is a real whirlwind - it is chaotic and they don't have much time together.

"Vernon has been understanding and knows this. Tess has been on Strictly forever but it's been heartbreaking for her not to have as much time as she's want with her family - it's the juggle so many women have.

"They're seeing her taking time away from work briefly as their fresh start - a chance for her and Vernon to have some space for their relationship. Once Strictly has stopped, she can have so much more family time, more holidays, more special time with the kids and for work opportunities. It's going to be very positive for them as a couple."

Tess, 56, and Vernon, 51, have enjoyed one of the most enduring marriages in showbusiness, having first met at a BBC Christmas party in 2001. They shared much in common, both having transitioned from modelling into television presenting, reports the Mirror.

Tess previously revealed that the initial attraction was powerful and instantaneous, with Vernon proposing just 12 months later. He asked for her hand on Christmas Day whilst at her parents' residence in Stockport.

The couple wed in 2003 at Vernon's local church, St Mary's, in his hometown of Horwich, Bolton. Tess selected a white strapless A-line dress, whilst Vernon chose a white suit paired with a pink shirt and patterned tie.

Nevertheless, seven years and two daughters later, the couple encountered a controversy that threatened to destroy their union. Reports emerged that Vernon had been exchanging suggestive texts with four women, including glamour model Rhian Sugden.

Tess and Vernon weathered the storm, though it re-emerged five years afterwards following allegations that the presenter and Rhian had purportedly been messaging once more. Vernon maintained there had been nothing "inappropriate" in their communications and stated he'd informed Tess about everything.

Fortunately, the duo managed to move past it all and restore their relationship with a private vow renewal. Tess remained quiet on the claims at the time, but subsequently admitted in 2017 that marriages are a "work in progress".

The source reveals, "They work hard on their marriage and they've got to because it's tough. It's tough being with someone in the showbiz world. It's tough having that spotlight on you all the time. They need a little downtime without the cameras on.

"She's had to learn to trust him again and once that trust is broken, it's really hard and it has been hard for them. Trust is earned, and he's had to try and earn it. But they're strong at the minute, and they're going to have a lot more time together after Strictly."

The insider continues, "It is in some ways a fresh start. She's been on the show for so many decades, so it is going to be different for them, but it's going to be for the better. They've got more time to spend together and grow as a couple, so it can only be a good thing."

Whilst both Tess and Vernon have built successful careers in the public eye, it hasn't been without sacrifice. Earlier this year, Tess admitted she works every single day, even whilst on family holidays.