Vernon Kay / Tess Daly ED comp
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Vernon Kay set ‘to take sad step’ after marriage split from Tess Daly: ‘It’s going to be very strange for them’

Vernon and Tess have remained friends since the split

Vernon Kay has reportedly bought a home just 15 minutes from the property he shares with Tess Daly as they navigate their separation.

The BBC Radio 2 presenter, 52, is said to have paid close to £3 million for the house. Vernon and Tess announced their amicable separation in May after 23 years of marriage.

According to The Sun, Vernon remains at the family home with former Strictly Come Dancing presenter Tess, 57. He reportedly plans to move once work on his new property finishes.

The house is said to have a swimming pool and extensive grounds. An unnamed source told the publication: “Vernon has now bought a place close to the family home in Buckinghamshire.”

Vernon Kay and Tess Daly at red carpet
Vernon and Tess split (Credit: John Rainford / SplashNews.com)

Why Vernon Kay is reportedly staying close to Tess Daly

Vernon and Tess share two daughters, Phoebe, 21, and Amber, 16. The source claimed that remaining near them had played an important part in his choice of home.

They said: “It means he can stay close to their girls, which is something important to both him and Tess. He’s having renovations done and will move out when the house is ready. Tess is supporting him with the move.”

The insider added that the former couple had approached the change carefully after more than two decades under the same roof.

The source said: “It’s going to be very strange for them after living together for over two decades, so they’re both treating the situation with care and respect.”

Vernon and Tess stressed their continued friendship and commitment to their daughters when they confirmed their split.

Their joint statement read: “After much consideration, and with a deep sense of care and respect for one another, we have made the decision to separate amicably.”

They added: “We remain great friends and, most importantly, fully committed to our roles as loving and supportive parents, which will always be our priority.”

The pair also said that no other parties had played a part in their decision and asked for privacy.

Vernon Kay at a red carpet event
Vernon is preparing to move out (Credit: Brett D. Cove / SplashNews.com)

Tess Daly and daughter Phoebe work together

The family have continued to focus on their own projects during this period. Tess recently revealed that she and daughter Phoebe are working together on a mystery project.

Alongside a picture of the pair, Tess wrote on Instagram: “No longer bring your daughter to work day, but working alongside her @phoebeekay.”

Vernon has also spoken about the values he and Tess have tried to pass on to their children. In an interview with The Times, he said they wanted their daughters to develop independence and a strong work ethic.

He explained: “That’s something we’ve tried to instil in our girls. They’re still working out what they want to do but we’ve told them: ‘Your mum and I aren’t going to give you everything’.”

The reported move would allow Vernon to start a new chapter while remaining close to Tess, Phoebe and Amber.

Read more: ‘Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy!’ Fans congratulate Vernon Kay over huge news months following Tess Daly split

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This article was produced with the assistance of AI technology to synthesise source reporting and structured data. It has been reviewed, edited, and fact-checked by our human editorial team before publication.