Vernon Kay has reacted to the news his wife Tess Daly will be leaving Strictly Come Dancing this year. In a major update, Tess and Claudia Winkleman confirmed they are both stepping down together, after over 20 years as part of the BBC dance show family.
The two shared a joint statement on Instagram to share the shocking news this morning and Tess took to her own social channel to share a personal statement, as she explained why she is exiting the show. Tess feels now is the right time to go. She said: “After 21 unforgettable years, the time has come to say goodbye to Strictly Come Dancing.
“It’s hard to put into words what this show has meant to me, so here goes….Strictly has been more than just a television programme. It’s felt like having a third child, a second family, and a huge part of my life since that very first show back in 2004. I knew then it was something special, but I could never have imagined the magic it would bring.
“Strictly has always been about joy, celebration, and bringing people together – and I’m so proud to have played a small part in something that continues to mean so much to so many.
She added: “From that very first series, I had the great honour of standing alongside the incomparable Sir Bruce Forsyth. Brucie set the tone for everything that Strictly became: warmth, wit, connection and pure showbiz magic.”
In a message to the crew, Tess said: “Thank you for the laughter, the friendship, and the countless memories over all these years. You’ve filled my heart in ways I’ll never forget. I’ll miss you all so much.”
Among those commenting on the post was Vernon, he responded with a series of red heart emojis as he liked the post. On his Instagram story he posted a news article about the presenter exiting the show and an artist illustration of Tess and Claudia, which had been captioned by Sketchpad_on_tour “What a fantastic duo they have been.”
The couple met in 2001 and got married in 2003. When they first met, Vernon and Tess were both starting their TV careers and grew closer when they were tasked with recreating a Britney Spears video together. The celebrity couple share two children, they have Phoebe who was born in 2004 and Amber who was born in 2009.
Talking about being a dad, Vernon previously told the Daily Mail: “We let them be independent when it comes to their futures because it’s important that you allow them to find themselves which is character building and personality development.”
In June, BBC Radio star Vernon sent a message of congratulations to his wife after her incredible achievement being recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours.
The TV personality was awarded an MBE for her services to broadcasting. She said it had been the “greatest surprise” of her life. Vernon reacted to the news, saying: “Well what can we say! Congratulations Tess on your MBE. All the hard work and huge effort you put into everything you do has been recognised by the King.
“Being on Strictly from the start when our babies weren’t even born just proves how well you’ve done. Now they’re almost 21 and 16 and we’ve all enjoyed this journey together!”
Tess first appeared on TV screens in 1999 when she hosted The Big Breakfasts’ Find Me A Model competition on Channel 4. Other presenting roles have included Just the Two of Us on BBC One and Royal Variety Performance.