Vernon Kay's Funny Early Dating Moment with Tess Daly: A Story of "Skint" Dates and a Close Call.
BBC Radio 2 host Vernon Kay, 50, recently shared a hilarious story with his listeners that offered a peek into his early relationship with wife Tess Daly, 55. It’s a tale full of laughter, a little financial embarrassment, and a close call with what could have been the end of their romance.
Looking back, Vernon admitted that his early dating days with Tess were not exactly smooth sailing—mainly due to his lack of funds. In fact, he joked about being so “skint” that his bank card kept bouncing during their first few dates. This, understandably, didn't sit well with Tess. But little did Vernon know that things were about to take a crucial turn on their seventh date.
Tess Daly (@tessdaly Instagram)
Vernon recalled: “It took six dates. Tess and I went on six dates and I... back in the day I didn’t have a penny, honest, I was skint, and I was so skint that I wasn’t offered a Switch card. Remember Switch cards? I was only offered a Solo card, which was the... Nationwide League of cards. It was horrendous and for the first six dates it kept bouncing, kept coming back. I had no money. Honest, I had no money.”
The financial strain certainly created some tension, but things almost reached a breaking point. According to Vernon, “And then on the seventh, Tess had decided that, ‘right, if this isn’t working, it’s game over.’”
However, fortune smiled upon Vernon, and by the time their seventh date arrived, his bank account had finally recovered enough for his Solo card to work. “Thankfully, I had a little bit of cash in the account and the Solo card worked. How funny!” Vernon quipped.
Looking back with a sense of humor, Vernon shared that the whole situation now feels like a funny milestone in their relationship. “How funny!” he added, reflecting on how their dating saga almost ended, but instead, led to their long-lasting relationship.
In addition to his story of early financial woe, Vernon also shared a lighthearted confession. He revealed his guilty pleasure of stopping by McDonald’s for a morning indulgence. “Well, I did something that I feel really guilty (but not really) about this morning. I went the Golden Arches [McDonald's] and I doubled down as well.”
Not stopping there, Vernon gave a glimpse into his current fitness routine. “I had some porridge as well. I started to kickstart my day with porridge; get me carbs in early. I’ve had three so far. I’m trying to get my calories up. I know, I’m trying to get my calories up and then I’ll trim them down for summer—for my holiday; for my Speedos. I am on a regime!”
Vernon Kay and Tess Daly (@tessdaly Instagram)
Vernon Kay began his career in entertainment as a model before transitioning to television presenting. He rose to prominence in the early 2000s when he hosted the ITV game show All Star Family Fortunes. His natural charm and quick wit quickly made him a fan favorite, leading to more opportunities in TV hosting.
Vernon also became a familiar voice on BBC Radio 2, where he hosted his own show, further solidifying his place in British entertainment. Throughout his career, Vernon has hosted a variety of programs, including The Voice UK and Splash!, and has appeared on numerous panel shows. He is known for his light-hearted and approachable style, both on screen and on the radio.
Vernon Kay and Tess Daly got married on September 12, 2003, in a private ceremony at St. Mary’s Church in Horwich, a small town in Greater Manchester, England, near where both of them grew up.
(@tessdaly Instagram)
The couple, who had been dating for several years before tying the knot, chose this intimate location to celebrate their special day, surrounded by their closest friends and family. The wedding was a beautiful, low-key affair, reflecting their preference for privacy, but it marked the beginning of a long-lasting and loving marriage.
They share two daughters, Phoebe, who is 20, and Amber, who is 15. Throughout the years, this well-known couple has landed numerous profitable television roles, significantly boosting their net worth. Tess has hosted a variety of shows, including the cherished BBC dance competition and Children in Need. Meanwhile, Vernon has been the face of the popular game show Family Fortunes and made a memorable appearance on the legendary reality series I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!, where he secured third place in 2020.
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