I’M O-KAY 

Vernon Kay puts on a brave face after Tess Daly marriage split announcement as he thanks fans for support

VERNON Kay has been seen for the first time since announcing his shock split from wife Tess Daly.

The presenter kept a low profile as he broke cover to head to his Radio 2 job today.

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Vernon was going back to work for Radio 2 after he announced the separation from his wife Tess.

Speaking on his breakfast show this morning, 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.”

Tess and Vernon announced last week that they had sensationally split after 22 years of marriage.

The former Strictly star and Radio 2 DJ revealed the separation in a joint Instagram post on Friday.

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.

“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 kindly ask for privacy during this time as we navigate this transition together.

“We will not be making any further public comments.”

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Tess and Vernon were last seen publicly together in February of this year when they hosted an episode of The One Show.

After meeting in 2001, the fellow Northerners – Vernon from Bolton and Tess from Stockport – hit it off.

They tied the knot in 2003 and share two daughters, Phoebe, 21, and Amber, 16.

The pair met while working as up-and-coming TV presenters for rival channels in 2001, crossing paths at a BBC Christmas party.

They married a year later, and Tess got her big break on Strictly Come Dancing, which she hosted for 21 years alongside Bruce Forsyth and later Claudia Winkleman.

Last year, Tess and Claudia sensationally announced their departure from the hit BBC programme, confirming that the 2025 series would be their last.

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