HEARTBREAKING: Vernon Kay Opens Up On Painful Family ‘Change’ In Admission Made Before Tess Daly Split
Vernon Kay noted that he and Tess Daly had encouraged their daughters to be independent (Image: Getty)
Vernon Kay reflected on his “changing” relationship with his daughters, one month before publicly announcing his separation from Tess Daly. Speaking with The Times in an interview published in April, the BBC star made a relatable parenting confession. “Now that Phoebe is 21 and Amber is nearly 17, our relationship with them is changing,” Vernon admitted.
“We talk about encouraging them to leave the nest and be independent but we don’t really want them to. You have to learn to enter their world and that world has pitfalls that just didn’t exist for us. When Phoebe started going out, we became acutely aware of drink spiking. I think that just didn’t happen in the Nineties.”
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During the interview, Vernon added that he and Tess had encouraged their daughters to “talk openly” with them about everything and anything, with no subject regarded as taboo.
Tess and Vernon, who were married for 22 years, share a close bond with their daughters, whom they continue to co-parent. While Amber continues to live in the UK, their eldest, Phoebe, has embarked on an exciting new chapter across the pond. An aspiring actor, the 21-year-old is currently studying at the New York Film Academy and the Stella Adler Studio of Acting.
Phoebe pictured with Tess and Vernon in November 2025 (Image: Getty)
More recently, she collaborated with her mum on a mysterious project, though details remain limited. “No longer bring your daughter to work day, but working alongside her,” Tess teased on Instagram this month.
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For Vernon and Tess, who confirmed their split in May, co-parenting their daughters remains a key priority. “After much consideration, and with a deep sense of care and respect for one another, we have made the decision to separate amicably,” they said in a joint statement.
“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.”
The duo concluded: “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. We will not be making any further public comments.”
Vernon and Tess announced their split in May (Image: Getty)
Following their split, Vernon has continued to support Tess and her swimwear brand, Naia Beach, on social media. Days after sharing the news of their split, the presenter made a point of thanking fans for their support. “I just want to say on behalf of me and Tess, thank you for all your well wishes, it has been greatly, greatly appreciated,” Vernon said on his BBC Radio 2 show.
In the months since, both Tess and Vernon have turned their attention to their respective careers, as well as their daughters. In Tess’ case, the former Strictly star has been working on new photoshoots for Naia Beach, while Vernon continues to appear on Radio 2 and perform on stage at DJ gigs.
