Vernon Kay having 'mixed feelings' as he approaches his milestone 50th birthday
Vernon Kay is soon set to celebrate his 50th birthday, on 28 April, but he's said to be having mixed feelings about reaching the milestone age.
The TV presenter has enjoyed a stellar career in showbiz, fronting ITV shows such as All Star Family Fortunes, Just the Two of Us, and Beat the Star. He's been married to Strictly Come Dancing host Tess Daly, 54, for 20 years, and the pair share two daughters, Phoebe, 18, and Amber, 14.
But in 2010, their marriage was tested when Vernon admitted he’d been texting Rhian Sugden, now 37, behind his wife’s back after meeting the glamour model in a Bolton nightclub.
Vernon, who was a BBC Radio 1 DJ at the time, addressed the scandal with a public apology, saying: "You may or may not be aware that because of some foolish and stupid decisions I have made, I have disappointed and I have let down a lot of people. To my family and everybody, I am very sorry."
He explained: "Tess is extremely upset about this and we’re working through it. But in some ways I’m glad this story has come out. It feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I knew it was getting silly. I’m never going to do it again and hopefully I can clear the slate clean and start again."
But the indiscretion didn't break the couple, and in 2023, they celebrated their 20th anniversary of being married, with Tess describing them as "soulmates" as she revealed they "just have a real laugh" together.
As Vernon's 50th birthday fast approaches, a source has claimed that he is having 'mixed feelings' about it, however, he's 'grateful' for his marriage to Tess and for being a father to their two daughters.
The insider told OK!: “Vernon had mixed feelings about turning 50, to him it just feels so old and was in a bit of panic before it all happened. He has always liked to see himself as quite young and trendy - it only seemed like a few years ago he was being described as fresh young talent. But he also feels so grateful to have got to 50 and to be married to Tess and have two beautiful and healthy daughters."
The source added: "He feels very blessed that Tess has stood by him after everything and what they have achieved together. There were times when they both could’ve thrown the towel in but they’ve really fought for their marriage. They’re in a really good place and love the girls being that bit older as they feel they’re a real team of four. He would be lost without them, especially Tess as she has supported him through so much and encourages him to do things out of his comfort zone. Plus he always jokes that he’ll always be the young one in the relationship because he’s Tess’ toyboy.
"And the girls help keep him and Tess young and he just wants to spend as much time together with them as possible before the girls get too old and start having their own lives. And he’s warned Phoebe that he’s not ready to become a grandad just yet!
"They all recently did a family holiday as an early celebration and Vernon was in his element. Gone are the days when he would want to stay out all night and party, he’s happy just staying in with Tess. He’s really mellowed over the past few years and always feels so lucky that he’s got this life.”
OK! has contacted Vernon's reps for comment.
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