Tess Daly is reportedly struggling to cope after her split from Vernon Kay, with insiders claiming the former couple’s amicable separation has left the Strictly star “feeling totally numb.”
The pair, who married in 2003 and share two daughters, Phoebe, 21, and Amber, 16, shocked fans earlier this month when they revealed their decision to part ways. While Vernon has begun appearing on TV and socialising publicly, Tess is said to be almost at breaking point, trying to process the reality of life without him.
A source told Heat:
“It’s been a tough few months for Tess. She’s made of strong stuff, but underneath it all, she’s been incredibly vulnerable. She didn’t realise how hard it would be seeing Vernon go about life without her. She’s been feeling totally numb, but her priority has been her daughters, so she’s holding it together. She’s taking it all in very small steps.”
Insiders say a key reason for the split is that the couple have grown apart over the years, becoming “totally different people” from when they first married. While Vernon enjoys nights out, football, and 1990s Oasis nostalgia, Tess’s lifestyle and priorities have diverged, highlighting the widening gap between them.
Over the past year, Vernon has reportedly attended concerts, award shows, and social events without Tess, while the Strictly star is said to be focusing on new television opportunities. Friends suggest the split, though amicable, has been emotionally draining for Tess, underscoring the challenges of adjusting to life after decades together.
