Fans of Strictly Come Dancing were left shocked when she announced she was leaving the show after 21 years at the helm – but Tess Daly insisted it is the ‘right time to hand over the reins’.
And as she marks her final few weeks on the iconic BBC dance show, fans are understandably wondering what’s next for Tess. Well, it seems she could be back on our TVs sooner rather than later.
Insiders tell Closer that the former model could be set to head over to ITV to take over as host of This Morning – and husband Vernon Kay is poised to join her.
Tess and Vernon could be daytime TV’s latest husband and wife presenting duo ©Getty Images
‘There is serious interest. ITV know they need warmth, credibility and connection. Tess and Vernon tick every box – and the deal is thought to be worth seven figures,’ the source says.
‘They’re charming, relatable and real. Viewers loved Richard [Madeley] and Judy [Finnigan] because you could see their connection was genuine – and Tess and Vernon have that same spark. They bring a wholesome energy. People trust them, and that’s gold dust. They make each other laugh without trying. Vernon’s playful while Tess keeps him grounded – it’s effortless.’
Vernon and Tess have previously appeared on This Morning ©Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock
Tess, 56, and Vernon, 51, met in 2001, tied the knot two years later, and then became parents to daughters Phoebe, now 21, and Amber, 16. Meanwhile, Tess joined the late Sir Bruce Forsyth as host of Strictly from the show’s beginning in 2004 – the same year she welcomed Phoebe.
A decade later, Bruce stepped down from his role and was replaced by Claudia Winkleman. She then teamed up with Tess and they became one of TV’s most-loved double acts.
Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard are the current hosts of This Morning ©Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock
Vernon is also an accomplished presenter, known for fronting major shows such as Family Fortunes and his own BBC Radio 2 show on weekdays. He’s also already proven to be a firm favourite with This Morning viewers, having been a guest presenter on the ITV show in the past.
‘This opportunity could catapult Vernon right back into the big time,’ the source adds. ‘He’s still got that cheeky charisma viewers love – he just needs the right platform.’
GET THE BEST CELEB INTERVIEWS IN CLOSER MAGAZINE EACH WEEK
©Bauer Media
Tess and Vernon could prove to be the modern-day Richard and Judy – who hosted This Morning from 1998 until 2001 – should they team up on-screen, something they did back in the noughties on reality talent show Just The Two Of Us.
Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard have been at the helm of the show since last March, after Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield resigned in 2023, but rumours hint that Cat, 49, is already ready to step down.
