Vernon Kay addressed his separation from Tess Daly for the first time during his BBC Radio 2 programme on Monday morning.
The presenter was quick to express his gratitude to listeners who had reached out following the couple’s shock announcement.
The broadcaster, who was spotted arriving at the London studio with a small smile earlier in the day, opened his show by acknowledging the outpouring of support.
“I just want to say on behalf of myself and Tess, thank you, thank you for all your well-wishes, it’s been greatly appreciated,” he told his audience.
Tess Daly and Vernon Kay were married for 23 years
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GETTYThe appearance marked Mr Kay’s return to the airwaves just days after he and Ms Daly publicly confirmed the end of their marriage on Friday.
The pair revealed their decision to part ways through a joint statement posted on Instagram on Friday, bringing their 23-year marriage to a close.
“After much consideration, and with a deep sense of care and respect for one another, we have made the decision to separate amicably,” the couple wrote.
They stressed the choice had not come easily but stemmed from mutual understanding and a shared wish for what was best for both of them.
Vernon Kay accompanied Tess Daly to Windsor where she received her OBE
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PA
The statement made clear that no third parties were involved in their decision to end the relationship.
Both Mr Kay and Ms Daly emphasised they remain close friends and are fully dedicated to raising their daughters, Phoebe, 21, and Amber, 16, together.
Sources close to the couple have shed light on the circumstances leading to their separation, revealing a gradual drift rather than any dramatic falling out.
“Basically, without meaning to, they’ve been living separate lives,” one insider claimed. “They don’t really do much together anymore; they have different interests and hobbies.”
Vernon Kay and Tess Daly’s joint statement
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The source added that the pair had acknowledged growing apart and concluded that separating would be better for both of them.
Friends say there was no significant conflict between the couple, with one source noting: “There has been no big fallout, more a gradual growing apart and wanting different things.”
Both have reportedly pledged to maintain their friendship and handle any future public discussions with dignity.
Mr Kay and Ms Daly first crossed paths in 2001 whilst working together on Top Of The Pops@Play, beginning a relationship that would see him propose on Christmas Day the following year.
Vernon Kay returned to BBC Radio 2 on Monday
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PAReflecting on their first meeting, Mr Kay previously told The Telegraph: “She didn’t know anyone except me because we’d worked together that day – she spotted me in a crowd and we had a laugh.
“I was instantly attracted by how independent Tess was, and that’s not changed at all.”
The couple wed in September 2003 in Horwich, Lancashire, near where Mr Kay grew up.
Despite announcing their separation, the pair are currently still residing together at their Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire home whilst they plan their next chapter.