It’s a week of double celebrations for one of Britain’s most beloved TV couples, Vernon Kay and Tess Daly.
As the pair marked their eldest daughter Phoebe’s 21st birthday, they also prepared for another special moment — Vernon being honoured with a prestigious radio award.
The proud dad couldn’t hide his excitement as he shared a sweet message on social media, posting a beaming photo with Tess and Phoebe, who looked every inch her mother’s double.
A Proud Dad’s Birthday Tribute to His Daughter
In the heartwarming post, Vernon, 51, gushed over his daughter, writing, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY @phoebekay 21 today!! The celebrations are gonna be epic!! You’re the best any parent could ask for.”
Fans couldn’t help but notice how strikingly similar Phoebe looks to Tess, now 56 — the same smile, the same elegance.
The post quickly filled with birthday wishes from friends and fans alike, celebrating the milestone moment for the Kay family.
From Birthday Parties to Red Carpets
The fun doesn’t stop with birthday cake and balloons — because this weekend, the family has another reason to celebrate.
Daily Mail can reveal that Vernon will be honoured with the Variety Club Silver Heart Award 2025 for Outstanding Contribution to Radio.
The award, which recognizes individuals who have made an exceptional impact in broadcasting, will be presented to Vernon on Sunday night.
The dad-of-two joins a prestigious list of winners — last year, the honour went to Kate Garraway, who juggles her roles on Good Morning Britain and Smooth Radio.
Will Tess Be There to Cheer Him On?
With Strictly Come Dancing back on air and Tess’s filming schedule in full swing, it’s not yet clear if she’ll make it to the ceremony at the Londoner Hotel.
But according to insiders, she’s been invited — and knowing the bond this couple shares, fans are hoping she’ll be front row for the big moment.
The ceremony itself is always star-studded, not just celebrating icons of entertainment but also raising funds for disabled and disadvantaged children. This year’s show will also commemorate ITV’s 70th anniversary and will be hosted by Mark Wright and Katie Piper.
A Radio Career That Spans Two Decades
Vernon’s radio journey has been nothing short of remarkable.
He’s spent 20 years behind the mic, becoming one of the BBC’s most popular voices.
He took over Ken Bruce’s legendary mid-morning slot on BBC Radio 2 in 2023 and has kept listeners hooked ever since. Before that, he hosted his own shows on Radio 1 from 2004 to 2012, moved to Radio X in 2015, and eventually made his BBC comeback in 2021.
For Vernon, this award isn’t just a professional win — it’s a celebration of passion, persistence, and years of hard work connecting with audiences across the country.
Vanessa Williams Among the Other Honourees
This year’s Variety Awards will also honour Vanessa Williams, the acclaimed American actress and singer best known for her roles in Ugly Betty and Desperate Housewives.
The 62-year-old star, who’s been based in London for the past year while starring as Miranda Priestly in the West End musical The Devil Wears Prada, will receive the Silver Heart Award for Outstanding Global Contribution to the Arts and Humanity.
Inside Vernon and Tess’s Enduring Love Story
While Vernon and Tess are now one of TV’s golden couples, their romance had a humble beginning.
The pair met at a BBC Christmas party back when Vernon was 25, and he’s since admitted that things were far from glamorous at first — in fact, he was completely broke.
Appearing on Loose Women, Vernon opened up about those early days.
“I had a Solo card — remember those? — and it kept getting rejected,” he laughed.
“Tess ended up paying for our first six dates. By the seventh, I thought I’d better bring some cash.”
The couple married in 2003 in a lavish ceremony surrounded by friends and family, and later welcomed two daughters — Phoebe, born in 2004, and Amber, now 16.
From Money Struggles to Married Bliss
Looking back, Vernon often jokes about his early financial troubles, but the couple’s story is a real testament to love and loyalty.
Tess stood by him through those tough years, and now, over 20 years later, they’re still one of the most adored pairs on British television.
“She saw something in me when I didn’t even have two pennies to rub together,” he once said. “I’ll never forget that.”
A Weekend Full of Celebration and Gratitude
Between Phoebe’s milestone birthday and Vernon’s big night at the Variety Club Awards, it’s shaping up to be an emotional and joy-filled weekend for the Kays.
Vernon summed it up best with his signature grin — “The celebrations are gonna be epic!”
And with his family by his side, both on the red carpet and off, it’s clear there’s a lot more for the Kays to celebrate than just awards.