Tess Daly and Vernon Kay have long been one of Britain’s most beloved showbiz couples, but their marriage hasn’t always been smooth sailing. As Tess celebrates her 57th birthday surrounded by family, we take a closer look at the ups and downs of her relationship with BBC Radio 2 presenter Vernon Kay — including a shocking sexting scandal that rocked their world, and the dramatic career changes they’ve both faced.
Tess Daly, known for her long-standing role as a presenter on Strictly Come Dancing, took a step back from the show alongside her co-host Claudia Winkleman in 2025. With Tess now adjusting to life away from the BBC ballroom, we delve into the story behind her marriage to Vernon Kay.
Before he was known as a TV host, Vernon Kay’s career had some humble beginnings. After leaving college, he worked at a banana factory and as a school cleaner in Bolton, before pursuing a career in modeling. It wasn’t until he was crowned ‘Model of the Week’ on The Big Breakfast that he made his television debut.
Tess’s rise to fame had its own story — starting in modeling and landing roles in music videos, including two for Duran Duran, before joining the SMTV Live team. It wasn’t long before Vernon and Tess’s paths crossed in 2001 when they were tasked with recreating a Britney Spears video. Sparks flew, and they soon began dating.
Two years later, they tied the knot in September 2003 in a ceremony held in Vernon’s hometown. The couple has since had two daughters, Phoebe and Amber, who they are fiercely protective of, keeping their family life out of the spotlight as much as possible. In interviews, Vernon has shared how important it is to allow their children to grow independently, reflecting the strong family values that helped shape both of them.
However, things weren’t always smooth in their marriage. In 2010, Vernon was embroiled in a sexting scandal that saw him admit to sending explicit messages to Page 3 model Rhian Sugden. The scandal surfaced after Vernon and Rhian met in a nightclub, and it was revealed that Vernon had sent flirty texts to multiple women over a period of months. Although his representative made it clear that the relationship was never physical, Tess was devastated.
Vernon addressed the public scandal, apologizing to Tess and admitting that he was “stupid” for his actions. He confessed on Radio 1 that Tess was “extremely upset” by the situation, but he promised to never repeat the behavior. He later vowed, “I’m never going to do it again,” and expressed his regret, saying he was glad the story had come out so he could “clear the slate.”
But just a few years later, in 2016, new allegations surfaced, suggesting that Vernon may have reconnected with Rhian. Vernon took to Facebook to address the rumors, stating that he was merely seeking answers to unresolved questions from the past. He assured fans that Tess was aware of the conversations and that there was never any inappropriate intent. Despite the public scrutiny, Vernon maintained that their marriage was strong enough to handle the ups and downs. “People make mistakes, and others just deal with it,” he told The Daily Mail.
Despite the rocky moments, their love for each other has endured. In 2015, Vernon secretly arranged a vow renewal for the couple during a lavish family trip to the South of France. He organized everything — the venue, the dresses, and the guest list — surprising Tess with a heartfelt card that read, “Congratulations on your second wedding day.” The couple enjoyed a beautiful day with family, and Vernon called it one of the most memorable experiences of their relationship.
Tess, speaking to Women’s Health in 2020, shared that despite the challenges, she and Vernon are more in love than ever. “We’re soulmates. It’s been a ride. And I love him more than ever.”
Their journey hasn’t been without drama, but through it all, Tess and Vernon have proven that their bond is strong enough to survive even the most public of scandals.
