HEARTBREAKING: Tess Daly’s ‘sadness’ over Vernon Kay move following their marriage split
Tess Daly is reportedly struggling with the finality of her split from Vernon Kay as the broadcaster prepares to move out of their former family home and into a nearby property.
The former Strictly Come Dancing presenter, 57, and Vernon, 52, confirmed their separation in May after more than two decades of marriage.
Now, sources claim Vernon is preparing to leave the couple’s six-bedroom Buckinghamshire home once renovations on his new property are complete.
The location is said to have been chosen carefully so that their daughters, Phoebe, 21, and Amber, 17, can continue spending plenty of time with both parents.
For Tess, however, the practical step of Vernon moving out has reportedly made the end of their marriage feel much more real.
“It’s bittersweet,” a friend told The Mirror.
“She’s sad her marriage didn’t work out – she wanted this to be for life, but she knows it’s the best thing.”
The source added: “It feels so final with Vernon moving out, and even though it’s the right thing, it’s still the end of an era.”
‘It’s Very Hard to Let Go’
Tess and Vernon married in September 2003 and had been together for 25 years when they announced their split.
In their joint statement, they stressed that there were “no other parties involved” and said their priority would remain co-parenting their daughters.
But Vernon’s move is only one of several major changes Tess is now facing.
She is also adjusting to life after Strictly Come Dancing, having stepped away from the BBC show alongside Claudia Winkleman after more than two decades.
Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe are taking over presenting duties for the new series, which begins on September 19.
According to the friend, watching someone else step into her old role could be emotional.
“Seeing Emma stepping into her Strictly shoes is going to be very difficult, because she hosted the show for so many years,” the source said.
“She lived and breathed it for so long, so, of course, it’s very hard to let go.”
Despite the upheaval, Tess is also said to be looking forward to a fresh professional chapter.
New Projects and a Possible Radio Rivalry
Tess reportedly has several projects in development, including her own show on Magic Radio.
There has even been speculation that the programme could eventually air at the same time as Vernon’s mid-morning Radio 2 show.
“On one hand, it’s an upsetting time with her and Vernon moving on, but on the other, this is also a really exciting time which is all about new beginnings,” the friend said.
She is also reportedly looking to expand her work in the health and beauty space.
A source claimed Tess wants to use her platform to inspire older women and is hoping to work with major brands.
“She looks great in her late fifties and she wants to be an inspiration for older women,” the insider said.
Tess is also said to be interested in creating a YouTube show with Phoebe, who she reportedly views as both a close friend and someone who could connect with a younger audience.
‘She Still Loves Him’
Despite publicly moving forward, another report claims Tess has not completely given up hope when it comes to Vernon.
An insider told Heat that she “still isn’t ready to believe it’s over for good.”
“They were married for 22 years, so she can’t give up on Vernon just yet,” the source claimed.
“She knows he feels this is something he needs to do, so she’s letting him do it.”
The insider said Tess is not trying to stop Vernon from moving out or expecting him to immediately return, but allegedly believes time apart could change how he feels.
“There is still a part of her that thinks that once he’s out there in his own place and living the single life, he might realise he misses what he had at home,” the source said.
They added: “She still loves him. However much she tries to be realistic about it, she hasn’t completely given up on him.”
Those claims have not been publicly confirmed by Tess.
The family recently spent time together in the South of France, with Tess sharing photographs alongside Vernon and their daughters.
“Last blast of South of France summer with the fam,” she wrote.
One image showed Tess and Vernon sitting together at a dinner table and smiling, while Phoebe and Amber also appeared in the post.
For now, the former couple appear focused on keeping family life stable while beginning separate personal chapters.
But according to those close to Tess, Vernon finally moving into his own home may be the moment that makes their separation feel more permanent than ever.
