Tess Daly breaks silence after Vernon Kay split while still wearing engagement ring as Claudia Winkleman shows support

Strictly star pays heartfelt tribute to 'iconic duo' Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly

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GB NEWS

Lydia Davies

By Lydia Davies


Published: 15/05/2026

- 22:21

Updated: 15/05/2026

- 22:32

The Strictly Come Dancing presenter returned to social media one week after announcing the end of her 25-year marriage

Tess Daly returned to social media on Friday, sharing a series of glamorous photographs taken during filming for an undisclosed project.

The 57-year-old Strictly Come Dancing presenter posed in an elegant black jumpsuit with sheer sleeves, with both her diamond engagement ring and platinum wedding band clearly visible.


Ms Daly's return comes exactly one week after she and husband Vernon Kay announced they were ending their 25-year marriage.

Captioning the images "The glam before the go", the presenter received an outpouring of support from famous friends.

Tess Daly and Vernon Kay

Tess Daly's return comes exactly one week after she and husband Vernon Kay announced their divorce

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GETTY

Former Strictly Come Dancing co-host Claudia Winkleman and judge Motsi Mabuse both responded with heart emojis.

Socialite and GB News contributor Lizzie Cundy commented: "Looking so gorgeous."

Fans also rushed to praise the presenter.

"Stunning!" one follower wrote, whilst another commented: "Beautiful as always."

Tess Daly, Vernon Kay and Phoebe Kay

Tess Daly and Vernon Kay share daughter Phoebe, 21

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GETTY

A third added: "GORGEOUS!"

The couple confirmed their separation in a joint statement released last week, describing the decision as one made "with a deep sense of care and respect for one another".

They added the choice to separate came "from a place of mutual understanding and a shared desire of what is best for both of us".

The statement also stressed the pair remain devoted to daughters Phoebe, 21, and Amber, 16.

"We remain great friends and, most importantly, fully committed to our roles as loving and supportive parents, which will always be our priority," they said, adding no third parties were involved in the split.

According to reports, the pair toasted their separation announcement with a glass of champagne together.

Sources suggested there had been no dramatic fallout between the presenters, with the breakdown of the marriage attributed to the couple gradually growing apart and developing different priorities.

Despite ending their romantic relationship, Ms Daly and Mr Kay are said to be still living under the same roof.

A source told The Mirror: "After they released the statement, Vernon and Tess took a moment to toast each other and their futures.

"They only want the best for each other and their family."

The pair have also allegedly agreed to remain close friends and handle any future public discussion surrounding their separation with dignity.

Ms Daly and Mr Kay first began dating in 2001, with the BBC Radio 2 presenter proposing on Christmas Day the following year.

Claudia Winkleman and Tess DalyClaudia Winkleman and Tess Daly filmed their final BBC Strictly episode last year | BBC

They married in September 2003 and went on to build a family together over more than two decades.

The former couple were last seen together publicly in February when they co-hosted an episode of The One Show.

Mr Kay has previously spoken about being "instantly attracted" to Ms Daly's independence when they first met, saying the quality remained unchanged throughout their marriage.

Both presenters have asked for privacy as they navigate the next stage of their lives.

GB News has contacted Ms Daly for comment.