Tess Daly and Vernon Kay surprised everyone on Friday when the popular couple revealed that they were splitting after being married for nearly 23 years.
In a joint Instagram statement, the couple confirmed that they had split “amicably”. In their statement, the pair also highlighted their two children, as they noted: “We remain great friends and most importantly, fully committed to our roles as loving and supportive parents, which will always be our priority.“
Tess and Vernon first became parents back in 2004, when they welcomed their daughter, Phoebe. Five years later, the duo had their second daughter, Amber.
Speaking to HELLO! last year, Tess revealed that she hoped her daughters would grow up to be kind, sharing: “I’ve always taught them that kindness is a superpower and it’s the single most important personality trait you will ever own. Treat everybody with kindness, and that’s the world you will experience back in return.”
Although Phoebe and Amber have grown up away from the spotlight, they’ve recently been seen more regularly with their mother, and it’s clear that they’ve inherited a lot from the model and former Strictly Come Dancing presenter.
But what do you know about Tess and Vernon’s daughters, meet them below…
Phoebe Kay
The couple’s eldest daughter was born in 2004, and Phoebe, now 21, headed to university in order to study film and television. However, although her parents are both known for being in front of the camera, Phoebe prefers to remain behind-the-scenes.
Speaking to The Sun in 2019, she said: “I like the production and editing side. I’d love to act, but will leave presenting to my mum and dad. I’m just trying to understand what I want to do.
“I think you go to uni to figure out what you want to do in life. I’d like to do some work experience, as it’s hands-on, even if I start as a runner and work my way up.”
She also revealed that she didn’t confess to her university classmates who her parents were, adding: “People don’t know and I love that. I want to create my own path.”
Phoebe has a very close bond with her mum, and in the days ahead of her parents confirming their split, the 21-year-old was seen partying with her lookalike parent while on holiday. The duo looked angelic as they threw a playful pose while in matching pink beach dress.
Amber Kay
Tess and Vernon’s second daughter is Amber, and due to her young age, the 16-year-old often keeps away from the spotlight. Even when Tess picked up her MBE at Windsor Castle last year, Amber made sure to stay away from the cameras, although she did support her mum at the event.
Speaking to HELLO! in 2024, Tess revealed that she had strict social media rules when it came to her children, especially with Amber. “They were never allowed phones in their bedrooms until they were 15, and we have a cut-off time for the youngest, Amber, at 10pm because she’s got school the next day. We’re vigilant about that.
“And, like most parents I know, there are no phones at meal times. We’ve always limited screen time but it becomes increasingly challenging when your child socialises online a lot.”
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