London, June 13, 2025 – Strictly Come Dancing host Tess Daly and BBC Radio 2 presenter Vernon Kay have officially responded to swirling rumors about their marriage, firmly denying any speculation of a breakup. The beloved television couple, married since 2003, addressed concerns raised by fans and media outlets in a joint statement released today, putting an end to weeks of speculation about the state of their relationship.
The rumors began circulating after a series of cryptic social media posts and the couple's relatively low-profile public appearances in recent months. A fan’s comment on Vernon’s Instagram post earlier this year, questioning if the couple were “living separate lives,” had reignited public curiosity. The comment, which referenced the couple’s preference for keeping their family life private, prompted Vernon to clarify at the time that they were “100 [percent]” together, a sentiment Tess supported with heart emojis and a caption about a “birthday trip” creating “special memories.”
In their official statement, Tess, 56, and Vernon, 51, expressed gratitude for their fans’ concern but emphasized the strength of their 22-year marriage. “We’ve always valued our privacy, especially when it comes to our daughters, Phoebe and Amber,” the statement read. “Recent speculation about our relationship has been hurtful, but we want to reassure everyone that we are as committed to each other as ever. We’re focused on our family, our careers, and continuing to support one another.” The couple also highlighted their excitement for upcoming projects, including Tess’s role on Strictly Come Dancing’s 21st series and Vernon’s ongoing work with BBC Radio 2.
The couple’s relationship has not been without challenges. In 2010, Vernon publicly apologized on BBC Radio 1 after it was revealed he had sent explicit text messages to glamour model Rhian Sugden and several other women, an incident that Tess described as “tough” but worth fighting for. The couple faced further scrutiny in 2016 when reports surfaced that Vernon had resumed contact with Sugden, though he maintained the messages were not inappropriate and Tess was aware of the communication. Tess has previously acknowledged that “all marriages have their moments” and described their relationship as a “work in progress,” a sentiment echoed by Vernon’s recent comments about the importance of communication in their “roller coaster” marriage.
Despite past difficulties, Tess and Vernon have consistently demonstrated resilience. Their 20th wedding anniversary in 2023 was celebrated with heartfelt social media posts, including throwback photos and a romantic vow renewal planned in the South of France. Fans have also seen glimpses of their strong bond through lighthearted moments, such as Vernon’s playful Instagram response to a fan claiming he was “punching” above his weight with Tess, to which he humorously replied, “every morning!!!”
Sources close to the couple told The Mirror that Tess and Vernon are “stronger than ever” and have been spending quality time together, including a recent family holiday in California with their daughters, Phoebe, 20, and Amber, 15. The couple’s commitment to privacy, particularly regarding their children, has been a cornerstone of their relationship, with Vernon noting on Annie Mac’s Changes podcast that maintaining privacy is “priceless.”
The official response has been met with an outpouring of support from fans and colleagues. Actress Anna Friel commented on Instagram, “You both look radiant. Cos you are,” while other fans defended the couple’s right to a private life, with one writing, “They are equally as gorgeous and talented.” As Tess and Vernon continue to navigate their high-profile careers, their united front serves as a testament to their enduring partnership.
For now, the couple appears focused on moving forward, with Tess preparing for another season of Strictly Come Dancing and Vernon set to co-host ITV’s National Lottery New Year’s Eve Big Bash alongside Fleur East. Their statement concludes with a hopeful note: “We’re grateful for the love and support we’ve received over the years and look forward to many more milestones together.”