“I Don’t Want This to Get Nasty”: Tess Daly Seeks ‘Quickie Divorce’ to Preserve Marriage Memories With Vernon Kay

Even after announcing their shocking split last month, Tess Daly and Vernon Kay appear determined to keep their separation as calm and respectful as possible — insiders reveal that the couple are taking extraordinary steps to protect the bonds they’ve built over 22 years.

Sources say Tess, 57, has expressed a desire for a “quickie divorce,” aiming to prevent the legal process from spiraling into bitterness. “She knows that involving lawyers too deeply can make things messy,” a source told Closer. “Both Tess and Vernon want to preserve respect for each other, keep costs down, and avoid a full-blown public fallout. The last thing Tess wants is to fall out completely.”Tess Daly and Vernon Kay frowning

The source added, “Tess wants to salvage the good parts of their marriage. They’re approaching this divorce like adults — committed to protecting their friendship, their family, and their shared memories. Ultimately, they want a healthy, amicable uncoupling.”

Despite the split, Tess and Vernon have been spotted together at family celebrations, including a reunion to mark their daughter Amber’s 17th birthday and various public outings. The couple’s two daughters, Phoebe, 21, and Amber, remain at the centre of every decision they make, the insider said, noting that their priority is being the “best parents” for their girls. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👧Tess Daly and Vernon Kay smiling on the red carpetThey split last month (Credit: Brett D. Cove / SplashNews.com)

Their marriage, which began in 2003, has survived public scrutiny before. In 2010, Vernon apologised after messages to glamour model Rhian Sugden and others emerged, a scandal the couple managed to navigate while staying together for another 15 years. Since their separation, both have continued to appear close, even still living in the family home and occasionally wearing their wedding rings in public.Vernon Kay and Tess Daly posing for a photo together on red carpetReportedly the split was amicable (Credit: John Rainford / SplashNews.com)

For Tess Daly, the goal is clear: preserve the respect, protect the family, and part ways without turning the page into a bitter chapter. “They know this approach will save both their relationship and their friendship in the long term,” the source added.

Representatives for Tess Daly and Vernon Kay have been contacted for comment.


Source: Daily Mail