What's the real reason for Tess Daly and Vernon Kay's shock split? Close friends speak out Close friends of Tess Daly and Vernon Kay have revealed the real reason behind the TV couple's recent split. 9 May 2026 Tess Daly and Vernon Kay "just grew apart" before their shock split. What's the real reason for Tess Daly and Vernon Kay's shock split? Close friends speak out The 57-year-old TV presenter - who quit as co-host of BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing in 2025 - and Vernon, 52, confirmed via social media on Friday (08.05.26) that they had made the decision to "separate amicably".