Vernon Kay gushes over his wife Tess Daly as he jests that Strictly is ‘like our third child’
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Vernon Kay gushes over his wife Tess Daly as he jests that Strictly is ‘like our third child’… and shares that she has no plans to step down from the show anytime soon
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Vernon Kay has revealed that Strictly Come Dancing is like his and Tess Daly’s ‘third child’.
The presenter, 48, opened up about his wife’s long-time presenting gig on the dancing show, sharing that she plans to keep at it for another 30 years.
Tess, 53, joined the show back in 2004, and it set to front another series this month with the its upcoming return – alongside co-host Claudia Winkleman.
Proud: Vernon Kay, 48, has gushed over his wife Tess Daly, 53, as he jested that Strictly is ‘like our third child’… sharing that she has no plans to step down from the show anytime soon
Detailing his pride of wife Tess during a chat with The Sun, Vernon explained that she plans to follow in the footsteps of Strictly legend Bruce Forsyth – who was the host until he was 86.
Continuing that the female duo of Tess and Claudia was game-changing, the presenter explained: ‘Strictly was probably one of the first shows to embrace two women as the main anchors of a huge Saturday night entertainment show.
‘We’ve seen Ant and Dec for decades double-heading a show and I don’t think two women had done that before on such a large scale. As far as prime time entertainment shows go, Claudia and Tess really broke the mould.’
Long-standing: Tess joined the show back in 2004, and it set to front another series this month with the it’s upcoming return
Girl power: Explaining that the female duo of Tess and Claudia was game-changing, Vernon told The Sun: ‘Strictly was probably one of the first shows to embrace two women as the main anchors of a huge Saturday night entertainment show.
The pair, who have been married for almost 20 years, share two children together; Phoebe, 17, and Amber, 13.
But admitting that Strictly plays a key role in their family dynamic too, Vernon described the dancing contest as their ‘third child’.
He continued to the publication: ‘Tess started the show in its infancy — its first ever series when it was just a wee baby.
‘Then we had our first baby and subsequently we had Amber, so we’ve grown up with it as like a family member. It sleeps for the majority of the year, but come August, when they start prepping outfits and talking about contestants, that’s when that baby comes alive.’
Family: The pair, who have been married for almost 20 years, share two children together; Phoebe, 17, and Amber, 13 (pictured together)
Love story: Tess and Vernon began dating in 2001, before getting married in 2003 (pictured on their wedding day in Sept 2003)
As Vernon dubbed the show ‘a pivotal part of our lives’, the TV personality even hinted that he’d be up for dusting off his dancing shoes.
Not ruling it out, the star explained that he’d be ‘all ears’ if bosses picked up the phone – but admitted it would be difficult to stick to a routine rather than ‘freestyle’
Tess and Vernon began dating in 2001, with the former model joining Strictly just three years later to host alongside Bruce – before Claudia took his place in 2014.
And with the new series set to return on 17 September, a host of famous faces will be hitting the dance floor – including Corrie’s Kym Marsh, Bros’ Matt Goss and Loose Women’s Kaye Adams.
STRICTLY COME DANCING 2022: WHO ARE THE CONTESTANTS?
KYM MARSH
Age: 46
Profession: Coronation Street star and presenter
Kym says: ‘I’m so delighted that this year they have! I’m a huge fan of the show and can’t believe I’m going to go from watching at home in my pyjamas to actually dancing in front of the judges in a glittery dress.’
RICHIE ANDERSON
Age: 34
Profession: Radio presenter
Richie says: ‘This is a dream come true! I cannot wait to get in those sparkles and sequins and shimmy across the most famous dance floor in the world!’
ELLIE SIMMONDS
Age: 27
Profession: Former athlete
Ellie says: ‘To be asked to be part of the Strictly family is just so exciting and I cannot wait, it’s going to so much fun.’
TYLER WEST
Age: 26
Profession: Radio DJ
Tyler says: ‘It’s a show that means so much to me and my family and I can’t wait to seriously shake a leg on that shiny dance floor… with a side of sequins.’
ELLIE TAYLOR
Age: 38
Profession: Comedian
Ellie says: ‘Well, cover me in fake tan and roll me in sequins! I’m absolutely over the moon to be a part of Strictly 2022!’
TONY ADAMS MBE
Profession: Retired footballer and manager
Tony says: ‘To say I’m excited is an understatement – the lure of the sequins and the call of the salsa has me swapping my battered old football boots for a set of Strictly soft shoes’
JAMES BYE
Age: 38
Profession: EastEnders actor
James says ‘I’m not known for my shimmy or my twinkle toes – in fact my kids regularly laugh at my dad dancing but it’s an honour to be asked and I’m going to give it my best shot.’
HELEN SKELTON
Age: 39
Profession: TV and radio broadcaster
Helen says: ‘I’m really excited to get stuck into a fun adventure. My family and friends have always loved the show and can’t wait for me to get started’
WILL MELLOR
Age: 46
Profession: Actor
Will says: ‘I know it will be a huge challenge but that’s what life is all about. This is also my Mum’s favourite show and she’s had a really tough few years so I’m doing this is for her as well. Bring it on!’
KAYE ADAMS
Age: 59
Profession: Television presenter
Kaye says: ‘I said I wanted to make the last year of my fifties memorable and i can’t think of a better way of doing it than showing the world my two left feet. Pray for me!’
JAYDE ADAMS
Age: 37
Profession: Comedian
Jayde says: ‘I’ve been a massive fan of the show for years. I feel like I’m watching myself in a dream and I can’t believe I’ve manifested this.’
MATT GOSS
Age: 53
Profession: Singer
Matt says: ‘I’ve been reclusive, I come and work and then go back to America. I thought, it’s time for me to come home and get out of my own way’
MOLLY RAINFORD
Age: 21
Profession: Singer
Molly says: ‘I already know it’s gonna be an experience of a lifetime and I can’t wait to meet the rest of the Strictly family I’ll be sharing it with.’
FLEUR EAST
Age: 34
Profession: Singer
Fleur says: ‘I’m equally nervous and thrilled to be part of this year’s Strictly line up. I’m excited to learn new skills and I want to soak up every moment of this magical experience.’
HAMZA YASSIN
Age: 35
Profession: Wildlife cameraman and presenter
Hamza says: ‘I am absolutely over the moon to be joining Strictly 2022. Never in a million years did I think I’d be on such a cool show.’