Tess Daly and Vernon Kay’s daughter announces ‘new era’ for her mum

Former Strictly Come Dancing presenter Tess Daly and Radio 2 presenter Vernon Kay confirmed they were “amicably” separating after two decades of marriage. The couple share two daughters, Phoebe and Amber

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Tess Daly and Vernon Kay pictured with their daughter Phoebe after Tess was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), following an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on November 12, 2025(Image: Andrew Matthews/ POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Tess Daly and Vernon Kay’s daughter Phoebe teased a new “era” was “pending” for her famous mother just hours before the couple confirmed they were “amicably” splitting up. Former Strictly Come Dancing presenter Tess and Radio 2 presenter Vernon tied the knot in September 2003, going on to become known as one of telly’s top power couples.

They have two daughters together – 21-year-old Phoebe and 16-year-old Amber – and often shared snippets of their family life together on social media. In a joint statement released on Instagram on May 8 though, they confirmed they were parting ways after almost 23 years of marriage.

They penned: “After much consideration, and with a deep sense of care and respect for one another, we have made the decision to separate amicably”. They confirmed it hadn’t been “an easy choice” to make but they “remain great friends and most importantly, fully committed to our roles as loving and supportive parents, which will always be our priority”.

They also added there were “no other parties involved in this decision”.

Their eldest daughter posted a lighthearted clip with her famous mum. In a video posted to Phoebe’s official TikTok page, the mother and daughter duo could be seen lipsynching to Salt-N-Pepa’s hit song, Shoop.

The clip begins with Phoebe miming the lyrics: “You’re packed and you’re stacked ‘specially in the back, brother, wanna thank your mother for a butt like that”.

At the mention of “mother”, Tess dances into shot while Phoebe points her thumb towards her. They continue to dance together as Phoebe mimes along to the lyrics: “Can I get some fries with that shake-shake boobie?

“If looks could kill you would be an Uzi, or a shotgun, bang! What’s up with that thang?”

@phoebeekay Mums TikTok era pending? #goofy #fyp #party @Tess Daly ♬ original sound – Salt-N-Pepa Official

In the caption, she teased the prospect of Tess joining TikTok and running an account of her own. Phoebe simply said: “Mum’s TikTok era pending?”

In the comments section, people were keen to share their thoughts. One person said: “Gorgeous pair! Your mum is always so lovely.”

Another said: “Beautiful – that is both of you. Really lovely to see mother and daughter chilling together, especially when mum is Tess.”

Others simply branded the pair “divas” and “iconic” while another said they were “obsessed” with the clip. Someone else added: “omg Tesss! I love you both”.

Both Tess Daly, 57, and Vernon Kay, 52, have enjoyed successful careers in the public eye. Tess hosted Strictly Come Dancing for 21 years before she and her co-host Claudia Winkleman confirmed they were leaving the show at the end of the 2025 series. She has also worked on shows including Children in Need, The Royal Variety Performance, The National Lottery, and more.

Tess was made an MBE for services to broadcasting in November 2025, with Vernon and daughter Phoebe by her side at the ceremony at Windsor Castle.

Similarly, Vernon has fronted a variety of major ITV and BBC shows, including All Star Family Fortunes, Beat the Star, and more. He also presents BBC Radio 2’s mid-morning show.

Source: https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/weird-celeb-news/tess-daly-vernon-kays-daughter-37135388