Tess Daly recently paid tribute to her husband Vernon Kay with a series of sweet throwback photos as the couple celebrated their wedding anniversary.
Tess, 54, and Vernon, 49, celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary on Tuesday, September 12. Tess shared pictures of the couple hugging and dancing on Instagram on their wedding day.
The Strictly Come Dancing presenter also uploaded a picture of a stunning bouquet of yellow and pink flowers as well as a delicately decorated cake with bubble icing in the shape of the numbers ’20’.
Tess accompanied the photos with a simple, heartfelt message acknowledging the milestone of her marriage: “I can’t believe it’s been 20 years today!” Love [emoji insert] always,” while tagging Vernon’s Instagram handle.
As the pair reflect on a monumental 20 years together, overcoming a heartbreaking scandal and navigating family life alongside hectic TV presenters, we take a look at where the couple started and where they are now.
When and where did Tess Daly and Vernon Kay first meet?
Two decades later: Tess Daly, 54, and Vernon Kay, 49, celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary on Tuesday, September 12, with Tess posting pictures of the couple hugging and dancing together on Instagram on their wedding day
Tess and Vernon met while they were both working as aspiring hosts on various shows at some of the biggest television networks in the country.
At the time, Vernon was a presenter on Channel 4’s T4 and Tess was presenting SMTV on ITV on a Saturday morning.
The couple began a relationship shortly after meeting on T4 and went on to become one of television’s most famous couples.
Tess and Vernon’s careers went from strength to strength, and between 2006 and 2007 the pair even co-hosted the BBC singing competition Just The Two Of Us.
Tess previously told Digital Spy about their relationship: “It actually all happened spontaneously because we immediately had so much fun together.”
“I couldn’t imagine having more fun with anyone else. “It was pretty explosive, I’ll tell you that.”
She explained that a long-term relationship changes over time, saying, “You keep the fire burning, you keep stoking that fire.”
Tess added that her husband has grown up in recent years: “I guess he’s the same but more mature.” You know how men are, they never really grow up, right? Can they ever catch up with us mentally? I do not believe that.’
Young Love: Tess and Vernon met while both working as aspiring hosts on various shows at some of the biggest television networks in the country. At the time, Vernon was a presenter on Channel 4’s T4 and Tess was presenting SMTV on ITV on a Saturday morning
Perfect Couple: The couple started dating shortly after meeting on T4 and went on to become one of TV’s most famous couples
Celebrations: The Strictly Come Dancing presenter also uploaded a picture of a stunning bouquet of yellow and pink flowers as well as a delicately decorated cake with bubble icing in the shape of the numbers ’20’ to celebrate the couple’s 20th anniversary
When did Tess and Vernon get married?
Two years after meeting, they tied the knot in 2003 at St. Mary’s Church in Horwich, Vernon’s hometown.
According to Hello! The couple held their reception at the nearby Rivington Hall Barn.
Vernon said he was “over the moon” about his low-key wedding after the couple decided not to hold a high-profile celebrity party.
Instead, the wedding’s thoughtful celebrity guests included Big Brother winner Brian Dowling and T4 presenter June Sarpong.
DJ Brandon Block also provided entertainment at the reception party.
Modest wedding: Two years after meeting, they tied the knot in 2003 at St. Mary’s Church in Horwich, Vernon’s hometown, with the couple deciding not to hold a high-profile celebrity party
How many children do Tess and Vernon share?
Tess and Vernon have two children together, Phoebe Elizabeth, 17, and Amber Isabella Kay, 13.
The couple gave birth to their first daughter, Phoebe, in 2004. Five years later they had their second daughter, Amber.
TV personality Tess gushed in June that she and Vernon had a “great relationship.”
She said: “You just have to advise them and gently show them the way.” It must feel like they are making their own decisions in life.
“But they need more as they get older.” They need more life coaching, there seems to be more intellectual hand-holding. You never stop being a parent. I don’t know when this all-seeing eye will end.’
Baby joy: The couple gave birth to their first daughter Phoebe in 2004. Five years later, they welcomed their second daughter, Amber.
Happy family: Tess and Vernon have two children together, Phoebe Elizabeth, 17, and Amber Isabella Kay, 13
Tess admitted she’s been tracking daughter Phoebe via an app because she’s worried about her safety while driving alone.
She revealed on the Spinning Plates podcast that her eldest is a new rider, which is the reason for her concerns.
Tess said: “When your child starts driving, it’s a whole new minefield.” I have the app LIFE360 and use it to obsessively track Phoebe until she reaches her destination.
“That’s because she’s a new driver.” And the relief when I see she’s achieved it… you never stop worrying. She’s only been gone for 20 minutes and I’m a nervous wreck. It is ridiculous. Loosen the leash!’
Despite her concerns, she admitted that she lets her girls chart their own path in life.
Vernon’s sexting scandal
Slip-up: The couple suffered a setback in 2010 when Kay admitted sending lewd text messages to glamor model Rhian Sugden
The couple suffered a setback in 2010 when Kay admitted sending offensive text messages to glamor model Rhian Sugden.
Tess Daly felt “shattered” after her husband Vernon Kay admitted exchanging suggestive text messages with five girls.
Tess was left devastated after the All Star Family Fortunes host was too nervous to reveal his affairs over the phone and online, telling her friends: “The trust is lost.”
According to The Mirror, Vernon said at the time: “Tess is extremely upset about this and we are working on it.” But in a way I’m glad this story came out. It feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.
“I knew it was getting silly. I will never do it again and hope I can clean it all up and start over. I am so sorry. “I was an idiot and let my family down.”
Determined to deal with the scandal and save their marriage, the couple stayed together and seemed happier than ever.
However, in 2016, Vernon was again at the center of a media storm when it was claimed he had sent Rhian messages for a second time.
The T4 presenter claimed Rhian contacted him “out of the blue” about the 2010 story and insisted she had more information she wanted to share with him.
Apology: Vernon publicly apologized to his wife on BBC Radio One and the couple have tried to put the fiasco behind them
Vernon said: “I know what it can look like when messages are taken out of context, but there was never any inappropriate intent in our communication, I was just trying to find answers to questions that had been bothering me since 2010.”
He added: “Tess knows everything that was discussed with Rhian.”
Vernon publicly apologized to his wife on BBC Radio One, and the couple tried to put the fiasco behind them.
Where are Tess and Vernon in their careers now?
Jungle Stay: In November 2020, Vernon took part in the 20th season of “I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here”, reaching the final and placing third on December 4, 2020
Strictly business: Since 2014, Tess has hosted the show together with presenter Claudia Winkleman. The duo hosts season 21, which begins this Saturday, September 16th
Tess has co-hosted Strictly Come Dancing on BBC One since 2004. She initially co-hosted the show with Sir Bruce Forsyth until he left the show in 2013.
Since 2014 she has hosted the show together with presenter Claudia Winkleman. The duo hosts season 21, which begins this Saturday, September 16th.
In November 2020, Vernon took part in the 20th season of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here, reaching the final and coming third on December 4, 2020.
In March 2021, it was announced that Kay would host the UK version of the new game show Game of Talents.
In March 2022, Kay replaced Joel Dommett as co-host of Red Nose Day’s The Great Comic Relief Prizeathon at the last minute.