Tess Daly excitedly announced the upcoming release of her new book last week – sharing a sweet video of her husband, Vernon Kay, giving her the first copy of 4 Steps To A Happier, Healthier You with her 817k Instagram followers.
Gushing about her latest venture, Tess, 53, told fans, “This has been a labour of love and what’s inside is a lifetime’s love for wellness. Can’t wait for you to read it, try some of the recipes and hopefully gain that little something that helps you feel healthier or happier.”
The book – which centres around wellness and mental health – comes just four months after her husband candidly admitted he’s still searching for contentment.
During a podcast interview, the 48-year-old presenter – who shares daughters, Phoebe, 18, and Amber, 13, with the Strictly host – revealed, “I don’t think I’m content. I think I would know when I get there.
“In this day and age, we’re all searching for perfection, and perfection doesn’t exist. You can be the best or you can do the best that you can, but it will never be perfect.”
At the time, insiders told Closer how Vernon’s confession caused fresh tension between him and Tess, who was worried his admission would be seen by many to allude to their relationship, which has been thrust into the public spotlight over the years following a sexting scandal.
But sources say that working on the new project has done wonders for Tess and her marriage.
An insider says, “Writing this book has been extremely cathartic for Tess. It’s been a tonic, working through negative emotions of the past and helping her to deal with that pain.
“She’s learned so much from her own practices and it’s not only helped her, it’s helping her marriage with Vernon too. It’s almost been like therapy. On a personal level, it’s giving them both a new perspective and has helped them to get to a place where they have a newfound outlook on life. She’ll always fight for her family and her marriage.”
In 2010, Vernon admitted to exchanging sexually explicit messages with former glamour model, Rhian Sugden, which led to him issuing a public apology to his family for his “foolish and stupid decisions.”
On his Radio 1 show, he said, “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 from my shoulders.”
Three years later, the couple renewed their marriage vows on their tenth wedding anniversary with an intimate celebration in France alongside their daughters.
But after appearing to work through their issues, the scandal was dragged up yet again in 2016, amid fresh allegations the Family Fortunes presenter was back in touch with Rhian.
This time, he took to Facebook to explain his actions, telling fans, “I recognise how it may look when messages are pulled out of context, but there was never any inappropriate intent to our communication, I was merely trying to find answers to questions that I’ve had since 2010.
“Tess is aware of everything that has been discussed with Rhian.”
Two years later, Rhian – who is now married to former Coronation Street actor Oliver Mellor – issued a public apology to Tess, saying, “I deeply regret creating a friendship with Vernon and allowing him to continue speaking to me the way he did.”
And as the couple prepare to celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary in September, insiders say Tess’ new book has been a vital part of her healing process.
The source says, “For the last 13 years, Tess felt like their marriage had been scarred by the scandal and while they’ve moved on, it’s been the ghost they can’t seem to escape from. It’s something she has to accept will always be there.
“Working on her happiness through the practices in the book has helped her deal with the repercussions of the past. She’s been haunted by the trauma of what happened for so many years, but what she’s learning has helped her put it into a box and move on. She and Vernon are feeling really positive right now.”
Tess recently described Vernon as her “soulmate” and admitted she loves him “more than ever” – and now pals say they’ll renew their vows once again on their 20th anniversary in September, this time with a big party to celebrate alongside all their loved ones.
The source adds, “While they’ve been through some rocky times, Tess and Vernon want to celebrate hitting such a big milestone and coming through storms that some wouldn’t have been able to weather.
“They love Ibiza and had a great holiday there last summer, so they’re looking at venues right now and can’t wait to go all-out and celebrate with their family and friends.”