BBC Radio 2 host Vernon Kay and former Strictly Come Dancing presenter Tess Daly have remained on good terms, following their split after 23 years of marriage
Tess Daly and Vernon Kay announced their shock split earlier this month
Vernon Kay has opened up about a recent family gathering in his first on-air mention of Tess Daly since addressing their split. The couple announced their separation earlier this month after 23 years of marriage and have remained on good terms.
Shortly after their announcement, Vernon said on his BBC Radio 2 show: “I just want to say on behalf of myself and Tess, thank you, thank you, for all your well wishes, it’s been greatly, greatly, appreciated,” before continuing with his duties.
Despite the split, they are believed to still be living together with their two daughters, Amber and Phoebe.
Back on his show on Monday, Vernon shared details about a party that took place at their home. He revealed: “Yesterday, we were tidying up, Amber had a party.
“Tess and I were running around tidying up and thank goodness that the weather was nice, do you know what I mean, with cleaning up the garden. We had such a good time, it was awesome on Saturday night and very funny.
“But in the morning, Tess and I were like, ‘Woah, better get cracking!'” After his co-star Ellie suggested it was an “all day job”, Vernon agreed, adding: “Yeah, brace yourself!”.
In a statement shared with fans on May 8, the couple said their decision to separate had “not been an easy choice”, but came “from a place of mutual understanding and a shared desire for what is best for both of us”.
They added that they “remain great friends and most importantly, fully committed to our roles as loving and supportive parents, which will always be our priority”.
The pair also clarified that there were “no other parties involved” and asked for privacy “as we navigate this transition together”.
Vernon’s father, Norman, has also spoken about the couple’s “sad” split, telling the Daily Mail they had “gone in different directions” over the years.
“But it’s an amicable split and there is no bad blood between them,” he added. “Sometimes these things happen for the better and this is one of those cases.”
Offering some advice to his son, Norman urged Vernon “not to rush into another relationship” before joking: “He’s a good-looking lad but not as good looking as me!”
He later clarified: “He’s not interested in finding anyone else at the moment and there is nobody else involved.”
Vernon and Tess were spotted out together at Pub in the Park just 10 days after their split. Pictures show the duo mingling with fellow attendees, while appearing to be in high spirits.
An onlooker at the event told The Sun: “Tess and Vernon seemed super-relaxed in each other’s company despite the news of their split.
“It’s clear to see that they are still very much happy around one another and there’s been none of this messy split business. They chatted to fans, posed for selfies and had a well-earned boogie.”