BREAKING NEWS: Vernon Kay left stunned by Strictly discovery as he makes feelings clear on new line-up
BBC Radio 2 presenter Vernon Kay commented on the new Strictly Come Dancing presenting line-up ahead of the show’s
Vernon Kay shared his thoughts about the new Strictly Come Dancing line-up (Image: BBC)
Vernon Kay has shared his thoughts on the Strictly Come Dancing shake-up following Tess Daly’s exit from the BBC show. The presenter’s wife, from whom he split earlier this year, and Claudia Winkleman announced they would be stepping away from the BBC show during the 2025 series.
It was later announced that Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and one of the show’s professional dancers, Johannes Radebe, would be stepping into their shoes.
Upon being reminded that the new series was starting this week, Vernon said on his BBC Radio 2 show: “Wow that’s come around quick, good grief!
“Strictly Come Dancing starts this Saturday, make sure you tune in because I have no doubt, as always, that it’s going to be a right old hoot,” he added.
Vernon Kay and Tess Daly announced their split in May (Image: Getty)
Sharing his thoughts on the new presenting line-up, he continued: “And good luck of course to the brand new team, very excited about that.”
Ahead of Tess and Claudia’s final show in December, Vernon paid a moving tribute to the pair, who had fronted the main show together for 11 years.
Speaking to his listeners at the time, he said: “It’s Tess’s last Strictly on Saturday, and I can’t say too much because I’m going to get really emotional, but it’s been an amazing 21 years.
“She has been at the helm of that show with Bruce, and with Claudia, and it’s been nothing but raucous fun.
The Strictly Come Dancing 2026 cast (Image: BBC)
“It’s been the favourite show of the nation’s since it started and it’s seen our two kids arrive through the show as well,” he added.
Vernon and Tess, who married in 2003, have two daughters together, Phoebe and Amber. Back in May, the pair announced they had separated but said they had remained friends.
In a statement, they told fans that the decision was made “after much consideration and with a deep sense of care and respect for one another”.
“This has not been an easy choice, but it comes from a place of mutual understanding and a shared desire of what is best for both of us,” they added.
“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,” the pair continued.
Vernon sent a good luck message to the new Strictly presenters (Image: PA)
Despite their split, the couple enjoyed a family holiday together with their daughters over the summer.
This came after reports claimed that Vernon had moved into a £3 million property located very close to the family home.
Tonight, Strictly fans will discover which celebrity contestants and professional dancers will be paired together for the 2025 series.
Those in the running to win the Glitterball trophy are Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton, Cach Mercer, Dame Sarah Storey, Will Best, Jaime Winstone, Bethany Antonia, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Graeme Hall, Laurence Robb, Tabby Stoecker and John Nellis.
