Strictly Come Dancing star Tess Daly and Vernon Kay have announced their separation after 23 years of marriage, as Tess reflects on losing her father just 18 days after their wedding
Tess Daly ‘completely broken’ days after Vernon Kay wedding ‘fell apart’(Image: Getty)
Tess Daly and BBC Radio 2 presenter Vernon Kay revealed their separation in a joint statement issued on Friday. The former Strictly Come Dancing host, 57, exchanged vows with her ex-husband more than two decades ago, but during their wedding celebrations she was dealt devastating news that left her “completely broken up on the inside.”
Tess and Vernon exchanged “I do” surrounded by their dearest friends and family. Nevertheless, one particular guest was determined to escort her down the aisle. Her father Vivian Daly, who had been fighting emphysema – a chronic and progressive form of lung disease.
Just 18 days afterwards, Vivian tragically passed away and following his death, Tess confessedly “fell apart”. “The show that turned things round for me was Strictly Come Dancing, but no one had any idea how torn up I was when I did that very first show,” she told The Mirror.
Tess Daly and Vernon Kay have announced their split(Image: Getty)
Reflecting on the period following his death, she revealed: “I fell apart. I miss him so much, every day.” She has confessed she is thrilled that he managed to meet her husband, but revealed the fact that he was never involved in her daughters’ lives remains her “biggest regret”.
“I know my dad was glad to see me with Vernon. Even though he was so ill when we got married he still wanted to walk me up the aisle. I’m glad he got to see us settled.”, reports the Express.
Tess, who has subsequently departed Strictly, confirmed her split from Vernon following 23 years of marriage. “After much consideration, and with a deep sense of care and respect for one another, we have made the decision to separate amicably,” they shared on Instagram in a joint statement.
Their choice had “not been an easy decision”, but arose “from a place of mutual understanding and a shared desire for what is best for both of us”.
Tess Daly and Vernon Kay tied the knot in 2003(Image: Getty)
They continued that they “remain great friends and most importantly, fully committed to our roles as loving and supportive parents, which will always be our priority”.
They also made clear that there are “no other parties involved” and requested privacy “as we navigate this transition together”.
