Tess Daly reportedly stepped down from her presenting role on Strictly Come Danicng to ‘spend more time with family’.
The presenter, 56, co-hosts the show with Claudia Winkleman – who is also bowing out of the dancing competition.
The iconic duo made history as the BBC’s first female presenting duo, but revealed that the current series will be their last, after making a pact to walk away together.
She shocked the nation earlier this week when she announced that she will be quitting after 21 years with the Strictly family.
And a source has now claimed the reason for her sudden decision to quit the BBC series – citing spending time with her husband and kids – Phoebe, 21, and Amber, 16 – as the reason.
Just eight weeks prior to her decision to leave, husband Vernon, 51, said he never misses an episode just so he can see if his wife is OK.
Tess Daly reportedly stepped down from her presenting role on Strictly Come Danicng to ‘spend more time with family’
Just eight weeks prior to her decision to leave, husband Vernon Kay, 51, said he never misses an episode just so he can see if his wife is OK
He explained that he has the dance show playing wherever he is, even if he is working.
Vernon, 51, revealed: ‘I rarely go out when Strictly’s on because I want to make sure everything’s alright. If I’m working, I have it on at the side of the stage.’
Speaking to The Mirror, a source shared: ‘Strictly is a real whirlwind – it is chaotic and they don’t have much time together.
‘Vernon has been understanding and knows this. Tess has been on Strictly forever but it’s been heartbreaking for her not to have as much time as she’s want with her family – it’s the juggle so many women have.’
They added that Tess is ‘taking time away from work briefly’ so that Tess and Vernon can have more time for their relationship.’
It’s claimed that the move is ‘going to be very positive for them as a couple’.
Daily Mail has reached out to Tess’ representative for comment.
In a joint statement shared on Instagram, the co-hosts said they would be leaving the show together.
In a joint statement shared on Instagram, the co-hosts said they would be leaving the show together, with their last appearance together on the Strictly Christmas Special
Their last appearance together will be on the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special, which airs on December 25.
The announcement has shocked fans and left experts pondering if Claudia and Tess’ joint departure at the end of series 23 is a sign they are fleeing a ‘sinking ship’.
Speaking to the camera as they announced their Strictly exits, Claudia began: ‘There have been some rumblings and we want you to hear this from us.’
Tess chimed in: ‘We have news, after 21 wonderfully joyful years on Strictly, we have decided that the time is right to step aside and pass over the baton.’
‘The very sparkly baton!’ Claudia laughed, before turning to her co-star and pal to add: ‘You’ve been here since the beginning.’
Tess replied, pointing to Claudia: ‘With Bruce, lovely Bruce [Forsyth], and that was over two decades ago but a lot of the time has been with you.
‘It’s been a huge part of our lives since our children were literally babes in arms, and now they’re adults, and I think genuinely we have cherished every second.’
Claudia continued: ‘We have, we’re so lucky to have been part of this amazing show and we just want to thank the Strictly team, because Strictly is the people who make it.’
