Rhian Sugden appeared in public for the first time since Vernon Kay and Tess Daly announced their separation, spotted running errands in Manchester on Monday. The couple’s unexpected split follows 16 years after a sexting controversy involving Vernon and the former glamour model, now 39.
Sugden dressed casually in an oversized white T-shirt paired with bright red joggers, her long brunette hair tied back. She went makeup-free and sported striking spectacles. Now married to Oliver Mellor, she shares a two-year-old son, George, with him.
Vernon Kay and Tess Daly’s Amicable Separation
Vernon Kay, 52, and Tess Daly, 57, disclosed their split on Friday. They emphasized the difficult decision but committed to supporting their daughters, Phoebe, 21, and Amber, 16.
The pair released a joint statement: “After much consideration, and with a deep sense of care and respect for one another, we have made the decision to separate amicably. This has not been an easy choice, but it comes from a place of mutual understanding and a shared desire of what is best for both of us. We remain great friends and, most importantly, fully committed to our roles as loving and supportive parents, which will always be our priority. There are no other parties involved in this decision. We kindly ask for privacy during this time. We will not be making any further public comments.”
Sources indicate the couple toasted with champagne after posting the statement at their shared home in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire. They continue living together while prioritizing a classy approach and their family’s well-being. No third party factors into the split, which stems from gradually growing apart and differing interests.
2010 Sexting Scandal Revisited
In 2010, Vernon issued a public apology to Tess on BBC Radio 1 after explicit messages to Rhian and four other women surfaced. He vowed live on air to cease all contact with them and resumed his Radio 2 hosting and All Star Family Fortunes duties.
In 2020, Rhian reflected on the incident during the Channel 4 documentary Page Three: The Naked Truth. She stated: “He just got away with it. It ruined everything for me. I felt like I was going up and up with my career, and then that came along. I wish I’d never met him. He got to give an apology on the radio and just got to carry on, with Family Fortunes, ironically. It still makes me feel sick.”
Vernon’s First Public Response
On Monday, Vernon addressed the split during his BBC Radio 2 show, thanking supporters: “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 was photographed heading to the London studio, flashing a small smile.
The couple, estimated net worth around £10 million, met in 2001 while presenting Top of the Pops@Play, began dating soon after, got engaged on Christmas Day 2002, and married the following September in Horwich, Lancashire. They last appeared together publicly in February on The One Show and serve as food ambassadors for Marks & Spencer.
Friends express surprise but note the decision followed extensive discussions, including input from their daughters. One friend shared: “Tess and Vernon are actually really, really happy now. They’re still living together for now though that will of course change in the near future. The girls were very much part of the decision. They had grown apart… They acknowledged that and decided life would be better if they were to split. It is all very, very amicable.”
