Vernon Kay admits 'stressful' time at home with Tess Daly and says 'there's nothing we can do'
Vernon Kay has candidly spoken about the "stressful" period he and his wife Tess Daly are experiencing at home, as their daughter Amber gears up for her GCSE exams.
The Radio 2 host, aged 51, who shares two daughters with Strictly's Tess Daly, opened up on air about the family's current challenge. The couple are doting parents to Phoebe, 20, and 15 year old Amber.
During his Wednesday morning show (May 7), Vernon responded to a listener's concern about getting their son to study for GCSEs by sharing that Amber is also in the midst of exam preparation.
Vernon sympathised with students and parents alike, saying: "Got GCSEs on the horizon...well, they're here. We've started ours, we're up and running."
He reflected on his own school days, jokingly admitting: "Of course, it's stressful. I remember my GCSEs...well, I don't...I'm lying, it was so long ago - 1990 I did mine.
(Image: VernonKay Instagram)
"I remember sitting there thinking, 'Gosh, I wish I'd revised'. I'm not remembering anymore, it's making me depressed."
Vernon expressed his dislike for exams, confessing he was "rubbish" at them, reports the Manchester Evening News. He added: "It's not the way education should be for me, more practical, playing out, hide and seek, I'd have got A+ in that.
"It's torturous for some kids, isn't it? If you've got who are going through GSCEs, just put your arm around them.
"There's nothing else they can do. There's no point cramming. You can cram all you want in your revision, which we all did, let's be honest, but you've just got to hold their hand haven't you?".
"Guide them along, make sure they're alright between their ears, in their noggin."
(Image: tessdaly / Instagram)
Tess Daly and Vernon Kay, both rising stars in the TV presenting world, found love despite working for rival networks. Vernon was a face on Channel 4's T4, while Tess graced ITV with her presence on SMTV.
Despite their professional rivalry, it wasn't long before they were head over heels for each other. Tess, now 56, has often reminisced about how their spark was "immediate" and that life with Vernon was always fun-filled.
The festive season of 2002 brought more than just Christmas cheer for Tess as Vernon proposed on Christmas Day at her parents' home. The couple then exchanged vows at St Mary's Church in Horwich, Vernon's birthplace, followed by a reception at Rivington Hall Barn.
The newlyweds didn't wait long to start a family, with Tess giving birth to their first daughter, Phoebe, on October 17, 2004, in London.
Their family joy doubled nearly five years later when their second daughter, Amber, arrived on May 30, 2009. A delighted Vernon shared with the Sunday Mirror: "She is absolutely beautiful and I am thrilled."
In her book The Baby Diaries,Tess revealed her unique approach to childbirth preparations, which included not just breathing techniques but also a full makeover. She admitted: "Before Amber's I tried to remember my breathing techniques. But I did something else too.
"I had my roots done and, wait for it, a pedicure! It might sound like madness, but I thought that while I might come out of it looking like I'd been dragged through a hedge backwards, I certainly wasn't going in there looking that way."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Strictly Come Dancing bosses 'taking inspiration from I'm A Celeb' with 'risk'
EXCLUSIVE: Strictly Come Dancing's latest line-up has been met with criticism ahead of the latest series of the BBC show, and a PR expert has hinted at tactics bosses have used Strictly Come Dancing has been involved in a number of scandals of late and fans have been left less than impressed with the latest celebrity line-up. While viewers of the BBC show have called the latest batch of famous faces "underwhelming," the inclusion of Tom Skinner had them in uproar. The former star of The Apprentice was met with huge backlash following the announcement he is to take to the dance floor. It comes as some of his controversial views online have been called out in recent weeks. He has also opened up about his relationship with US vice president JD Vance. But a PR expert believes that while bosses made a surprise call by including the reality TV star, she also admitted it could be a "tactic" to gain more headlines. It comes as Strictly star La Voix commits to a huge live show during the competition. PR Carla Speight said of Tom's inclusion: "After all the scandals from the last series of Strictly, I'm surprised we've got a new series. This time round, it appears they've taken inspiration from the team behind I'm A Celebrity and booked a polarising character to grab the headlines, and it's worked. "Given that there's been scandal after scandal in recent years for the BBC, alongside mass accusations of being biased and drama over the years behind the glittery scenes of the Ballroom favourite, I'm genuinely surprised we have a new series. "This time round, they should have played it safe in a bid to regain trust with celebrities with bigger profiles, but instead they decided to go for more drama." She went on: "From a PR strategy perspective, they had two choices: play it safer, risking a decline in viewing figures, in order to attract bigger stars in the future with some investment and good PR. Or book a polarising cast member, who appeases the right in the hope it softens them and reduces the volume of people questioning their license fees. Tom Skinner is ideal for that, though I doubt the longstanding fans of the supposedly family-friendly show will be pleased to watch him if he makes it past the first episode." Carla also revealed that his relationship with Vance could strengthen the motive behind his booking. However, she said: "I wonder if this could end up being a step and a shimmy too far right for the Strictly team to handle. Strictly's loyal LGBTQ+ and female viewers won't be impressed by this at all, given what's happening in the US and what's happened behind the scenes of previous series of the BBC flagship show. "It is surprising that the BBC bosses approved his casting, as they should be focusing on rebuilding the Strictly brand after all the abuse and misconduct reported in recent years. But instead, they've opted for taking the same tactics as a rage-baiting YouTube clip. "An institution, with loyal fans who expect better of them, resorting to this tactic could be a sign that this is the last Tango for the hit series." Further adding her view on the addition of Tom, Carla went on: "There's been an immediate uproar over his booking, but then that's probably what the bosses were hoping for. Rage baiting is a simple tactic to guarantee headlines, and the US will pick it up, too, given Tom's recent affiliations. "For Tom, that's great news; he'll gain more followers both in the UK and the US who share the same views. It's also a win for Strictly bosses as they're everywhere now and trending online, but at what cost in the long term?" She concluded by saying that "only time will tell" if this is a good move for the show.
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Real reason why this year's Strictly line-up is so weak and could spell the END of show as ratings plummet
THE annual Strictly line-up unveiling usually means bookies pinpoint their favourite contenders, rank outsiders and some potential dark horses. But this year, in a move likely to rock BBC bosses, betting giants are offering odds on this being the show's final outing. 15 Dani Dyer, 29, reality star daughter of Danny Credit: Getty 15 Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, 36, Nitro on Gladiators Credit: Getty 15 Alex Kingston, 62, actress from ER and Doctor Who Credit: Getty Within an hour of the 15 celebrities being confirmed yesterday, Ladbrokes said there was an 8/1 chance the competition would NOT be back. It cited the 'underwhelming' line-up, and falling viewing figures for the bleak prediction. The final three names — former Lioness Karen Carney, Game of Thrones actor Kristian Nairn and showbiz reporter Ross King — clearly didn't impress. But other worrying trends in the line-up emerged too. For a second year running just six women have signed up, compared to nine men. Previously the split had been roughly 50/50 between the sexes. Negativity still lingers Last year the phenomenon was attributed to the Giovanni Pernice scandal, with some fearing it had put off women from joining. The Italian prof had been accused of bullying behaviour towards Amanda Abbington on the 2023 show. Amid that investigation it emerged fellow professional dancer Graziano di Prima had kicked his 2023 Strictly dance partner Zara McDermott, and he was fired last July. No doubt the Beeb hoped those dark clouds had dispersed, not least because blind comic Chris McCausland's 2024 triumph helped bathe the show in a positive light. But this year's lack of participants from big TV programmes suggest negativity still lingers. Kristian Nairn and Karen Carney has been confirmed for Strictly Conspicuous by their absence are any non-BBC soap stars. In previous years there has been a peppering from Emmerdale, Coronation Street and Hollyoaks. Similarly other shows that normally offer up their big talents — BBC Breakfast, Good Morning Britain, This Morning, Loose Women — have kept their distance ahead of the 23rd series starting next month. Pop stars, fashion icons and politicians have also steered clear. A TV insider said: 'There's an air of caution among big stars and big shows, who all seem to be biding their time to see if there's still a whiff of the scandal that tainted the show last year. 15 Chris Robshaw, 39, ex-England rugby union captain Credit: Getty 15 George Clarke, 25, YouTuber and podcast host Credit: Instagram 15 Balvinder Sopal, 46, EastEnders matriarch Suki Panesar Credit: Getty 'That's been borne out in some of the payments made to stars this year, even those who you wouldn't consider to be A-listers. 'Rumours are that savvy agents have bumped up their fees knowing the talent pool has shrunk. 'There are even whispers that big stars were toying with taking part, then decided against it after careful consideration. They haven't condemned the show to history quite yet, they've just adopted a 'wait and see' approach TV insider 'The fear seems to be that the Giovanni saga, combined with the Gregg Wallace affair on MasterChef and the Huw Edwards debacle, have left Auntie Beeb looking more like a weird uncle. 'They haven't condemned the show to history quite yet, they've just adopted a 'wait and see' approach.' Strictly previously landed huge stars and popular household names, particularly in the early years — from fashion icons Jodie Kidd and Jerry Hall to Spice Girl Emma Bunton and Girls Aloud singer Kimberley Walsh. Politicians including Ann Widdecombe, Ed Balls and even former Home Secretary Jacqui Smith have all donned their dancing shoes. Other belters who have taken part are Kym Marsh, Jason Donovan, Susanna Reid, Gillian Taylforth, Denise van Outen and Holly Valance. 15 Stefan Dennis, 66, who played Paul Robinson in Neighbours Credit: Getty 15 Ellie Goldstein, 23, who is a model and influencer Credit: Bav Media 15 Thomas Skinner, 34, The Apprentice candidate and businessman Credit: BBC This year there is just one soap star, EastEnders' Balvinder Sopal. As with Gladiators' Nitro, both were selected from Beeb programmes — making them safe bets for the broadcaster. The rest are made up of reality TV stars Vicky Pattison and Dani Dyer, three sports figures — Karen, Chris Robshaw and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. Then there's George Clarke, who is virtually unknown outside of YouTube, and drag artist La Voix. The only other actress is ER and Doctor Who star Alex Kingston. And Thursday's reveal of former Apprentice candidate Thomas Skinner — known for his outspoken political views on social media — caused instant controversy. The show faces a particularly tough challenge to win over audiences this year too, with viewing figures on the wane. 15 Reality star Vicky Pattison, 37 Credit: Getty 15 Ross King, 63, showbiz reporter on Lorraine and Good Morning Britain Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 15 Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, 53, football manager and former player Credit: Getty In 2021, Strictly's first episode had 9.1million views, and its second had 10.6million. By last year that had fallen to 7.4million and 9.3million respectively. That's an average fall of 1.5million views over three years — or 500,000 annually. Few other shows could justify continuing at that rate of decline. 'Odds against them' Adding further to its woes is the fact BBC stablemate Celebrity Traitors is expected to air this autumn, which could not only confuse viewers but make Strictly pale by comparison. Both are hosted by Claudia Winkleman and feature a large group of famous faces competing with each other before someone is voted out. But Celebrity Traitors boasts an A-list line-up including Stephen Fry, Alan Carr, Tom Daley, Jonathan Ross and Clare Balding. 15 La Voix Aryeetey, 33, drag Queen as seen on BGT and Ru Paul's Drag Race 15 Kristian Nairn, 45, actor, best known for Game Of Thrones Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 15 Karen Carney, 38, sports journalist and ex-football player Credit: Shutterstock Editorial It's better, some would say, than the new selection of Strictly stars. If the two series air during the same weeks, viewers might feel forced to choose just one — and the hugely popular newcomer's first star-studded outing is more likely to triumph. Then there are inevitable comparisons with other celebrity-based shows, such as Big Brother and I'm A Celebrity, both on ITV. This year Big Brother had Hollywood's Mickey Rourke topping the bill. While over the past four years A-listers including Coleen Rooney, Nigel Farage, Matt Hancock, Boy George and David Ginola have competed in the jungle smash. It seems the days when the appeal of the show alone could bring in huge stars may have passed. TV insider An insider said: 'Of course the BBC can't be seen to splash cash on huge names in the same way that commercial channels and streamers are able to. 'The irony is that this year they haven't splurged on big names, but in some cases they ended up paying over the odds for talent anyway. 'It seems the days when the appeal of the show alone could bring in huge stars may have passed. Now bosses will be praying they can one day bring them back. 'But the odds are, literally, against them.' A BBC spokesperson said: 'We don't recognise this anonymous source's claims. We're delighted with our Class of 2025.'
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
Real reason why this year's Strictly line-up is so weak and could spell the END of show as ratings plummet
THE annual Strictly line-up unveiling usually means bookies pinpoint their favourite contenders, rank outsiders and some potential dark horses. But this year, in a move likely to rock BBC bosses, betting giants are offering odds on this being the show's final outing. 15 Within an hour of the 15 celebrities being confirmed yesterday, Ladbrokes said there was an 8/1 chance the competition would NOT be back. It cited the 'underwhelming' line-up, and falling viewing figures for the bleak prediction. The final three names — former Lioness Karen Carney, Game of Thrones actor Kristian Nairn and showbiz reporter Ross King — clearly didn't impress. But other worrying trends in the line-up emerged too. For a second year running just six women have signed up, compared to nine men. Previously the split had been roughly 50/50 between the sexes. Negativity still lingers Last year the phenomenon was attributed to the Giovanni Pernice scandal, with some fearing it had put off women from joining. The Italian prof had been accused of bullying behaviour towards Amanda Abbington on the 2023 show. Amid that investigation it emerged fellow professional dancer Graziano di Prima had kicked his 2023 Strictly dance partner Zara McDermot t, and he was fired last July. No doubt the Beeb hoped those dark clouds had dispersed, not least because blind comic Chris McCausland's 2024 triumph helped bathe the show in a positive light. But this year's lack of participants from big TV programmes suggest negativity still lingers. Conspicuous by their absence are any non-BBC soap stars. In previous years there has been a peppering from Emmerdale, Coronation Street and Hollyoaks. Similarly other shows that normally offer up their big talents — BBC Breakfast, Good Morning Britain, This Morning, Loose Women — have kept their distance ahead of the 23rd series starting next month. Pop stars, fashion icons and politicians have also steered clear. A TV insider said: 'There's an air of caution among big stars and big shows, who all seem to be biding their time to see if there's still a whiff of the scandal that tainted the show last year. 15 15 15 'That's been borne out in some of the payments made to stars this year, even those who you wouldn't consider to be A-listers. 'Rumours are that savvy agents have bumped up their fees knowing the talent pool has shrunk. 'There are even whispers that big stars were toying with taking part, then decided against it after careful consideration. They haven't condemned the show to history quite yet, they've just adopted a 'wait and see' approach TV insider 'The fear seems to be that the Giovanni saga, combined with the Gregg Wallace affair on MasterChef and the Huw Edwards debacle, have left Auntie Beeb looking more like a weird uncle. 'They haven't condemned the show to history quite yet, they've just adopted a 'wait and see' approach.' Strictly previously landed huge stars and popular household names, particularly in the early years — from fashion icons Jodie Kidd and Jerry Hall to Spice Girl Emma Bunton and Girls Aloud singer Kimberley Walsh. Politicians including Ann Widdecombe, Ed Balls and even former Home Secretary Jacqui Smith have all donned their dancing shoes. Other belters who have taken part are Kym Marsh, Jason Donovan, Susanna Reid, Gillian Taylforth, Denise van Outen and Holly Valance. 15 This year there is just one soap star, EastEnders' Balvinder Sopal. As with Gladiators' Nitro, both were selected from Beeb programmes — making them safe bets for the broadcaster. The rest are made up of reality TV stars Vicky Pattison and Dani Dyer, three sports figures — Karen, Chris Robshaw and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. Then there's George Clarke, who is virtually unknown outside of YouTube, and drag artist La Voix. The only other actress is ER and Doctor Who star Alex Kingston. And Thursday's reveal of former Apprentice candidate Thomas Skinner — known for his outspoken political views on social media — caused instant controversy. The show faces a particularly tough challenge to win over audiences this year too, with viewing figures on the wane. 15 In 2021, Strictly's first episode had 9.1million views, and its second had 10.6million. By last year that had fallen to 7.4million and 9.3million respectively. That's an average fall of 1.5million views over three years — or 500,000 annually. Few other shows could justify continuing at that rate of decline. 'Odds against them' Adding further to its woes is the fact BBC stablemate Celebrity Traitors is expected to air this autumn, which could not only confuse viewers but make Strictly pale by comparison. Both are hosted by Claudia Winkleman and feature a large group of famous faces competing with each other before someone is voted out. But Celebrity Traitors boasts an A-list line-up including Stephen Fry, Alan Carr, Tom Daley, Jonathan Ross and Clare Balding. 15 15 It's better, some would say, than the new selection of Strictly stars. If the two series air during the same weeks, viewers might feel forced to choose just one — and the hugely popular newcomer's first star-studded outing is more likely to triumph. Then there are inevitable comparisons with other celebrity-based shows, such as Big Brother and I'm A Celebrity, both on ITV. This year Big Brother had Hollywood's Mickey Rourke topping the bill. While over the past four years A-listers including Coleen Rooney, Nigel Farage, Matt Hancock, Boy George and David Ginola have competed in the jungle smash. It seems the days when the appeal of the show alone could bring in huge stars may have passed. TV insider An insider said: 'Of course the BBC can't be seen to splash cash on huge names in the same way that commercial channels and streamers are able to. 'The irony is that this year they haven't splurged on big names, but in some cases they ended up paying over the odds for talent anyway. 'It seems the days when the appeal of the show alone could bring in huge stars may have passed. Now bosses will be praying they can one day bring them back. 'But the odds are, literally, against them.' A BBC spokesperson said: 'We're delighted with our Class of 2025.' My View By Rod McPhee LIKE many BBC shows, Strictly has become a casualty of other people's bad behaviour and mismanagement - but it still remains one of Britain's best loved TV programmes. And as we've seen in the past, star-studded line-ups don't always provide the greatest entertainment or, indeed, the most inspiration. Only EastEnders fans would have known who Rose Ayling Ellis was back in 2021. But the deaf actress had the nation crying tears of joy with her 'silent dance' which helped her win that year's contest. Remember Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher was brought in from the show's reserves bench after Jamie Laing injured his ankle? He proved such a dazzling sensation he also took home the glitterball in 2019. Does the fame level of the competitors matter? Yes, it does, certainly in terms of gauging how the show is viewed in the showbiz world. But it isn't everything - and it certainly doesn't diminish its ability to consistently thrill and surprise us all. So let's not be too quick to kill the one thing so many of us love by seizing on every sign that its star might be fading. Few programmes that have been on our screens for 21 years are going to have a constantly smooth ride, let's not derail it prematurely.
