ITV Denies Plans to Replace ‘This Morning’ Hosts with Tess Daly and Vernon Kay
There’s been a flurry of speculation suggesting that television network ITV is considering a major shake-up for its popular daytime show, This Morning. Rumours have been circulating that the show’s bosses were eyeing up the much-loved presenting duo, Tess Daly and Vernon Kay, as a potential new anchor team to boost ratings. However, ITV has now firmly quashed these claims, throwing its full support behind the current presenters.
The broadcaster has publicly backed the show’s main hosts, Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard, alongside the Friday presenting team, Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary. This statement comes after reports that married couple Tess, 56, and Vernon, 51, were being eyed as ITV’s “next Richard & Judy” following a successful one-off stint co-hosting The One Show last month.
Tess and Vernon, who recently stepped down from their long-running roles on Strictly Come Dancing, reunited on-screen for the first time in 21 years for their One Show appearance, and it seems their natural chemistry resonated strongly with viewers. This reunion, however, has apparently fuelled speculation about their potential future on This Morning.
ITV’s Firm Stance on Current ‘This Morning’ Line-up
An official spokesperson for ITV addressed the rumours directly, telling the Daily Mail: “We are very happy with Cat, Ben, Alison, and Dermot as This Morning‘s lead presenters and there are no plans for that to change.”
The spokesperson further emphasised the show’s current success, stating: “2026 has got off to a great start for the show with viewing up year on year and a weekly reach of 3.7 million viewers.” This indicates that ITV feels the show is performing well with its existing talent and doesn’t see the need for immediate changes.
The ‘One Show’ Appearance That Sparked the Buzz
Tess and Vernon’s last significant joint presenting gig before their One Show appearance was on the BBC singing competition Just the Two of Us, which they co-hosted between 2006 and 2007. It was their recent natural on-screen partnership on The One Show that is believed to have caught the attention of ITV executives.
Sources close to the situation had previously suggested to The Sun that the couple’s appearance was a “total no-brainer.” The insider commented: “Execs have been sweet on Vernon for ages, but the pair’s natural husband-and-wife banter made them realise exactly what This Morning has been missing.”
The report continued to explain the perceived appeal: “They are obsessed with finding the next Richard and Judy, and Tess and Vernon have that exact same effortless magic. Audiences are notoriously tough on new faces, but they completely fell in love with their northern charm.”
A Warm Reception for Tess and Vernon
During their One Show appearance, Tess and Vernon stepped in for regular hosts Alex Jones and Roman Kemp, who were reportedly busy filming the BBC’s storytelling competition, 500 Words, at Windsor Castle. They were joined in the studio by notable guests, including Hollywood stars Jessie Buckley and Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Bridgerton actors Luke Thompson and Yerin Ha.
The response from viewers to Tess’s presenting was overwhelmingly positive. Many took to social media to express their delight, with comments such as: “It was so lovely to see you on the TV Tess. I let out an ‘ahhhh’ when I saw you with your lovely hubby”; “You did great Tess, hope you’ll be on again soon”; and “A brilliant line up and you were so relaxed, be lovely to see you again.” Another fan gushed, “You and Vern presenting together is everything. Loved it.”
A Longstanding Love Story in the Spotlight
Tess and Vernon’s careers have seen them become one of television’s most recognisable and enduring couples. They first met when they were both emerging presenters on rival channels. Vernon was a host on Channel 4’s T4, while Tess was presenting SMTV on ITV on Saturday mornings.
Their relationship blossomed after they met on T4, and they soon became a power couple in the television industry. Both of their careers have continued to flourish over the years.
Tess has previously spoken about the spark in their relationship, telling Digital Spy: “It was all quite immediate, really, because we instantly had such a blast together. I couldn’t imagine having more fun with anyone else. It was pretty explosive, I tell you.” She also touched on the evolution of long-term relationships, adding, “You keep the fire burning, you keep stoking that fire.” Reflecting on Vernon’s maturity, she humorously noted, “I guess he is the same, but more mature. You know what men are like, they never really grow up, do they? Do they ever catch us up mentally? I don’t think so.”
The couple tied the knot in 2003 at St Mary’s Church in Horwich, Vernon’s hometown. According to reports, they opted for a more low-key wedding ceremony, hosting their reception at the nearby Rivington Hall Barn, rather than a large, high-profile celebrity event. Despite this, their guest list included well-known faces such as Big Brother winner Brian Dowling and former T4 presenter June Sarpong. DJ Brandon Block provided the entertainment for the reception.
Tess and Vernon are parents to two daughters: Phoebe Elizabeth, who is 21, and Amber Isabella Kay, who is 16. Their enduring partnership and successful careers continue to make them a beloved presence in the British entertainment landscape.
