Delighting their fans, Strictly's Tess Daly and Vernon Kay shared some adorable pics from their family holiday to America, and looked more loved-up than ever.
Soaking up the sun on their trip to LA last week, Vernon, 49, shared snaps of him and wife Tess, 54, horse riding on the Californian beaches with their daughters, Phoebe, 18, and Amber, 13. Likewise, Tess shared a sweet collection of memories on her own social media – writing, “California, you were one to remember. Grateful always for the amazing memories made.”
And insiders say that the couple are enjoying a summer of fun ahead of their 20th wedding anniversary this September.
A source says, “Tess and Vernon have told friends they’re enjoying having adventures and ‘dating’ again in the build-up to their anniversary, spending some much-needed time together after a hectic few months. They’re loving their holiday in the US and have taken time to have special date nights – including a candlelit beach dinner, horse riding on the beach, waterfall hikes and even visiting a couple’s retreat together in the desert to reconnect and reignite the spark.”
The showbiz pair first met in 1999 while attending the BBC’s annual Christmas party, with Strictly presenter Tess saying of their first meeting, “It was all quite immediate, really. We instantly had such a blast together. It was pretty explosive.”
Four years later, the loved-up couple tied the knot during an intimate ceremony at St. Mary’s Church in Horwich – going on to welcome daughter Phoebe the following year, and Amber in 2009.
However, their love story hasn’t been smooth. Back in 2010, the pair found themselves embroiled in a cheating scandal after Vernon admitted to messaging glamour model Rhian Sugden, 36. Issuing a statement, he wrote, “I’m so sorry. I’ve been an idiot and I’ve let my family down.”
Despite moving on from the drama, the presenter was forced to issue a second statement in 2016 following allegations he had once again contacted Rhian. Explaining the situation, Vernon wrote, “There was never any inappropriate intent to our communications. 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.”
And earlier this year, Vernon once again raised eyebrows after saying he wasn’t “content” in life, saying on a podcast, “I don’t think I have contentment. In this day and age we’re all searching for perfection, but perfection doesn’t exist”.
An insider previously told Closer, “Tess couldn’t help but feel a bit annoyed with what Vernon said, even though it was nothing to do with their marriage or relationship.”
But with the drama finally behind them, the couple are in a great place at the moment. The source says, “Tess is calling their summer a ‘marriage reboot’ as they rediscover one another and take themselves back to that honeymoon period of when they were first dating and fell in love. They’ve had their ups and downs over the years, but right now they’re in a great place. They are immensely proud of getting to where they are, overcoming all their hurdles to come out stronger and more in love than ever.”
To celebrate their 10-year anniversary back in 2013, Vernon whisked his wife off to France for a surprise wedding vow renewal – with their family and friends secretly flying out. Opening up about the sweet gesture, Tess previously shared, “It was overwhelmingly special and memorable. What’s he going to do when it’s 20 years?”
And now, our source adds that the couple will be planning yet another huge celebration. The insider reveals, “Their 20th anniversary is a huge milestone – especially after everything they’ve been through over the years – and Tess is adamant they’re going to celebrate in style. They’re planning to renew their vows again, going back to France with their immediate family and a few of their closest friends.
“They’ve hired a stunning villa in the South of France overlooking the ocean for the ceremony, and a private room at one of their favourite restaurants afterwards to celebrate. Tess has planned some surprises for Vern with the help of Phoebe and Amber, who will be her joint ‘maids of honour’ for the ceremony.”
With the date fast approaching, our source says the lovebirds are slowly starting to piece together their third big day – and the honeymoon that follows.
The source adds, “They’re still in the midst of planning their ‘second honeymoon,’ as they really want to get away for a few days afterwards just the two of them. This holiday has been a warm-up for their trip later this year, and they’re enjoying being in their ‘bubble of love’ and falling in love all over again in the lead-up to their special day.”