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Just months before Tess Daly and Vernon Kay made the shock announcment their marriage was over , he was reported to have put a spanner in her career plans. The 57-year-old exited her long-running role on Strictly Come Dancing at the end of the 2025 season, and was said to have her sights set on a role on This Morning alongside her husband. However, 52-year-old Vernon was said not to be keen on the idea, leaving her feeling "let down".

This came just a month after they had teamed up on-screen for the first time in 20 years to host an episode of BBC's The One Show on February 25, and speculation was rife that the couple, who share two daughters, were looking for projects together now that Tess had freed up her time. In March, a source said: "Tess thrives on daytime TV, and she ticks many boxes for ITV. She has warmth, experience, credibility, and is hugely respected.

"It had the potential to turn her and Vernon into TV's next golden couple. But Vernon didn't want to go down that route - so the situation has caused friction," they told Closer magazine.

"Tess really liked the idea of combining their strengths and stepping into something big as a couple. She thought it could be a new chapter...[This has] caused tension, which they've had to work through."

On Friday, May 8, Tess took to Instagram to confirm their marriage was over after 22 years.

"After much consideration, and with a deep sense of care and respect for one another, we have made the decision to separate amicably," she wrote.

"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, 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 will not be making any further public comments."

The couple met in 2001 while working on Top of the Pops and arranged a first date at Zilli Fish on Brewer Street in the heart of Soho. Their relationship blossomed behind the scenes, with Vernon popping the question on Christmas Day 2002 at Tess' parents' home. In 2003, the 57-year-old presenter and the BBC Radio 2 DJ, 51, walked down the aisle together in Vernon's hometown at St Mary's Catholic Church in Horwich, near Bolton.