Tess Daly has made headlines with the bombshell announcement of her departure as a host from the iconic BBC show, Strictly Come Dancing, after an impressive 21-year tenure. This significant decision, revealed last month, arrived just eight weeks after her husband of 22 years, Vernon Kay, publicly shared his sweet ritual of never missing an episode of the ballroom competition to ensure his wife's well-being. Adding to the show's transformative period, co-host Claudia Winkleman has also reportedly announced her exit, marking a new era for the beloved programme.

Vernon Kay, a BBC Radio 2 presenter who shares daughters Phoebe, 21, and Amber, 16, with Tess, elaborated on his dedication to his wife's on-screen presence. He explained his consistent habit of having the show on, even while working, to monitor the broadcast and offer support. "I rarely go out when Strictly’s on because I want to make sure everything’s alright. If I’m working, I have it on at the side of the stage,” he was quoted as saying, highlighting the personal sacrifices and relentless demands associated with Tess's high-profile role.

Insiders suggest that Tess's decision to step away is primarily motivated by a desire to reclaim much-needed family time. The rigorous schedule of "Strictly is a real whirlwind – it is chaotic and they don’t have much time together," a source revealed. This struggle to balance a demanding career with family life is a common theme for many women, and Tess's departure is viewed as an opportunity for a "fresh start." This new chapter is expected to provide Tess and Vernon with more dedicated time for their relationship, allowing for more holidays, special moments with their children, and exploration of new work opportunities. The source added, “It’s going to be very positive for them as a couple.”

The couple’s love story began at a BBC Christmas party in 2001, where Tess, 56, and Vernon, 51, quickly connected over their shared experiences in modelling and nascent TV presenting careers. Tess recalled their "undeniable" initial spark, which led to Vernon proposing on Christmas Day a year later at her parents’ home in Stockport. They exchanged vows in 2003 at St Mary’s Church in Vernon’s hometown of Horwich, Bolton, in a ceremony that saw Tess in a classic white strapless A-line gown and Vernon in a distinctive white suit with a pink shirt and patterned tie.

Seven years into their marriage and with two children, Tess and Vernon faced a significant scandal in 2010 when reports emerged of Vernon sending explicit messages to four women, including glamour model Rhian Sugden. Although they navigated through this crisis, it resurfaced five years later with renewed allegations of messaging between Vernon and Rhian. Vernon vehemently denied any "inappropriate" exchanges, asserting that he had been transparent with Tess about everything. The couple managed to rebuild their trust and strengthen their bond, reportedly through a secret vow renewal. Tess, while remaining private at the time, later confessed in 2017 that marriages are a "work in progress."

Sources emphasize the inherent challenges of sustaining a marriage in the unforgiving glare of the showbiz spotlight. “They work hard on their marriage and they’ve got to because it’s tough. It’s tough being with someone in the showbiz world. It’s tough having that spotlight on you all the time. They need a little downtime without the cameras on,” an insider stated. The journey to rebuild trust after it was broken has been arduous, but the couple is now described as strong, anticipating more quality time together. “Trust is earned, and he’s had to try and earn it. But they’re strong at the minute, and they’re going to have a lot more time together after Strictly.”

Both Tess and Vernon have forged highly successful careers, but this has often come at a personal cost. Tess, who is also the co-owner of the luxury swimwear brand Naia Beach, revealed her relentless work ethic earlier this year. She admitted to working daily, even during family holidays, like a trip to Dubai with her daughters, driven by a sense of guilt if work wasn't being done. She reflected on the constant "juggle" faced by women, striving for that "perfect balance" since becoming a mother, and acknowledging that "every mother I know is Wonder Woman because they are trying their hardest.”

While Tess "loves the job," the consensus is that this transition will immensely benefit her and Vernon, providing more quality time. Their eldest daughter, Phoebe, has already embarked on her independent journey as a film student, dividing her time between London and Dubai. Their younger child, Amber, is still navigating her future choices, but the family is collectively looking forward to the increased opportunities for shared moments and strengthening their bonds following Tess's departure from Strictly Come Dancing.