Television presenters Vernon Kay and Tess Daly have announced their decision to separate after 25 years of marriage. The couple, who share daughters Phoebe, 21, and Amber, 16, released a joint statement on Friday emphasising their mutual respect and commitment to co-parenting. According to reports, they marked the occasion by sharing a bottle of champagne in their family home in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, where they continue to reside together for the time being. Sources close to the pair describe the split as amicable, resulting from a gradual growing apart rather than any dramatic fallout or third party. They have different interests and have reportedly been living somewhat separate lives in recent times. Both are said to be content with the decision and plan to remain friends. The couple first met in 2001 while working on Top of the Pops and married in 2003. Despite a well-publicised scandal in 2010 when Vernon was involved in inappropriate messaging, they rebuilt their relationship and were long regarded as one of showbusiness’s more stable couples. Tess recently stepped down from her long-running role on Strictly Come Dancing, while Vernon is known for programmes such as Family Fortunes. The pair, jointly worth around £10 million, last appeared together publicly in February hosting The One Show. Friends indicate the daughters were fully involved in discussions, and the family is focused on a smooth transition. Divorce proceedings are expected in due course, though no lawyers have yet been formally instructed. The separation has surprised many in the industry given their previously united public image.

Television presenters Vernon Kay and Tess Daly have announced their decision to separate after 25 years of marriage. The couple, who share daughters Phoebe, 21, and Amber, 16, released a joint statement on Friday emphasising their mutual respect and commitment to co-parenting. According to reports, they marked the occasion by sharing a bottle of champagne in their family home in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, where they continue to reside together for the time being. Sources close to the pair describe the split as amicable, resulting from a gradual growing apart rather than any dramatic fallout or third party. They have different interests and have reportedly been living somewhat separate lives in recent times. Both are said to be content with the decision and plan to remain friends. The couple first met in 2001 while working on Top of the Pops and married in 2003. Despite a well-publicised scandal in 2010 when Vernon was involved in inappropriate messaging, they rebuilt their relationship and were long regarded as one of showbusiness’s more stable couples. Tess recently stepped down from her long-running role on Strictly Come Dancing, while Vernon is known for programmes such as Family Fortunes. The pair, jointly worth around £10 million, last appeared together publicly in February hosting The One Show. Friends indicate the daughters were fully involved in discussions, and the family is focused on a smooth transition. Divorce proceedings are expected in due course, though no lawyers have yet been formally instructed. The separation has surprised many in the industry given their previously united public image.