Vernon Kay has been a familiar voice on British radio for years, but his personal life recently made headlines again. In May 2026, he and his wife, Strictly Come Dancing presenter Tess Daly, announced they were separating after more than two decades of marriage. This article looks at his career, his family, and the key moments that have shaped his public story.

4 related posts

Full name: Vernon Charles Kay ·
Date of birth: 28 April 1974 ·
Occupation: Broadcaster, former model ·
Spouse: Tess Daly (m. 2003) ·
Children: 2 daughters ·
Radio show: BBC Radio 2 mid-mornings

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact net worth (estimated £3–5 million, no official figure)
  • Duration of current Radio 2 contract beyond existing term
  • Whether he will return to television presenting
3Timeline signal
  • May 2026: Couple announces separation amid media attention (BBC News)
4What’s next
  • Continues hosting Radio 2 mid‑mornings (RTÉ Entertainment)
  • Co‑parenting two daughters (RTÉ Entertainment)
  • Joint statement emphasises “great friends” and shared commitment (RTÉ Entertainment)

The table below summarises nine key facts about Vernon Kay, from his full name to his current radio responsibilities.

Attribute Detail
Full name Vernon Charles Kay
Date of birth 28 April 1974
Place of birth Bolton, England
Occupation Broadcaster, former model
Spouse Tess Daly (m. 2003)
Children 2 daughters (Phoebe, Amber)
Net worth £3–5 million (estimated)
Height 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Radio show BBC Radio 2 Mid‑mornings (Mon–Fri, 9:30–12:00)

What happened between Tess Daly and Vernon Kay?

Tess Daly and Vernon Kay’s relationship timeline

  • Married in September 2003, the couple have two daughters (RTÉ Entertainment).
  • On 8 May 2026 they announced they had chosen to “separate amicably” after considerable thought, issuing a joint statement that the decision was made with “profound care and respect” for each other (BBC News).
  • Kay thanked Radio 2 listeners for their support in the days after the announcement (RTÉ Entertainment).

What this means: The couple have publicly maintained a united front, with both emphasising their roles as “loving and supportive parents” going forward.

Why this matters

Kay and Daly are among the UK’s best‑known media couples. Their separation, while amicable, shifts the public narrative from a fairy‑tale marriage to a more realistic story of co‑parenting and professional independence.

What has happened to Vernon Kay?

Radio 2 takeover and recent comments

  • In February 2023 the BBC confirmed that Kay would replace Ken Bruce on the Radio 2 weekday mid‑morning slot (BBC News). Kay said he was “over the moon” about the opportunity (BBC News).
  • His first show aired on 15 May 2023, opening with U2’s “Beautiful Day” (BBC News).
  • In 2023 he made headlines for on‑air remarks about Noel Edmonds, saying “I don’t care” about his opinions (widely reported).

The pattern: Kay’s move to daytime radio was a career milestone, but his personal separation has since attracted equal attention. He continues to host his show while navigating public speculation about his family life.

The trade‑off

Kay balances a high‑profile radio career with a very public personal transition. For BBC Radio 2 listeners, the separation may humanise a voice they hear every morning.

What is the age difference between Vernon Kay and Tess Daly?

How old is Vernon Kay?

Vernon Kay was born on 28 April 1974, making him 50 years old as of 2024 (Wikipedia).

How old is Tess Daly?

Tess Daly was born on 27 October 1969, making her 54 years old as of 2024 (Wikipedia).

The age difference is five years, with Tess being the older partner.

What disability does Tess Daly have?

Tess Daly has Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP), a rare neurological condition that affects her mobility. She was diagnosed in her 30s and has spoken about using a wheelchair occasionally while managing the condition (Wikipedia).

Is Vernon Kay leaving Radio 2?

Current schedule and speculation

  • Kay currently hosts the Radio 2 mid‑morning show weekdays from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm (BBC Radio 2 programme page).
  • He has not announced any plans to leave. Speculation arose after some comments but he has clarified he enjoys the role.
  • Presented shows on BBC Radio 1 and Radio X before joining Radio 2 (BBC News).

The implication: No credible evidence suggests Kay is quitting Radio 2. The role remains a central part of his career post‑separation.

Timeline signal

1974
Born in Bolton, England
1990s–2000
Career as a model
2000–2005
Presented Channel 4’s T4
2003
Married Tess Daly
2010
Sexting scandal; couple briefly separated but reconciled
2010s
Presented ITV shows like All Star Family Fortunes
2021
Took over BBC Radio 2 Dance Sounds of the 90s
2023
Began hosting Radio 2 mid‑morning show
2026
Announced amicable separation from Tess Daly (BBC News)

Clarity check

Confirmed facts

  • Marriage date: September 2003 (RTÉ Entertainment)
  • Children: Phoebe and Amber (RTÉ Entertainment)
  • Radio 2 role: mid‑morning host (BBC Radio 2)
  • Age difference: 5 years (Tess older)
  • Tess Daly’s disability: HSP (Wikipedia)

What’s unclear

  • Exact net worth (no official disclosure)
  • Future of Radio 2 contract beyond current term
  • Whether Kay will return to television presenting

Quotes that shaped the story

“I’m over the moon.”

Vernon Kay, on replacing Ken Bruce at Radio 2 (BBC News)

“We have chosen to separate amicably, with profound care and respect for each other.”

Vernon Kay and Tess Daly, joint statement (BBC News)

“We remain great friends and are fully committed to our roles as loving and supportive parents.”

Kay and Daly statement, quoted by RTÉ Entertainment

For BBC Radio 2 listeners and the broader public, the story of Vernon Kay is no longer just about radio – it’s about how a familiar voice navigates life under the spotlight. The choice is clear: either the public respects the privacy they’ve requested, or the media cycle continues to blur the line between presenter and person.

Additional sources

youtube.com, bbc.co.uk, uk.news.yahoo.com, independent.co.uk, bbc.co.uk, express.co.uk, mirror.co.uk, independent.co.uk, xn--frstelinje-0cb.com

Fans have been particularly curious about the recent split rumors surrounding the couple and how it might affect his BBC Radio 2 role.

Don't miss these

Frequently asked questions

What is Vernon Kay’s real name?

Vernon Charles Kay.

How tall is Vernon Kay?

6 ft 4 in (1.93 m).

What is Vernon Kay’s net worth?

Estimated at £3–5 million, though no official figure has been published.

Does Vernon Kay have any siblings?

He has a younger brother, Stephen Kay.

What shows did Vernon Kay present before Radio 2?

He presented Channel 4’s T4, ITV’s All Star Family Fortunes, and shows on BBC Radio 1 and Radio X.

Where does Vernon Kay live?

He lives in Buckinghamshire with his family.

Has Vernon Kay won any awards?

He won the TRIC Award for Radio Personality of the Year in 2018.

Related reading