Tess Daly could be heading from the Strictly ballroom to the This Morning sofa, and insiders say her next co-host might just be her husband, Vernon Kay.

The long-time TV duo are reportedly being lined up as a new presenting pair for ITV’s flagship daytime show, with comparisons already being made to iconic couple Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan.

Tess Daly and Vernon Kay could be the next faces of This Morning (Credit: Cover Images)

Tess Daly and Vernon Kay tipped to become ‘next Richard and Judy’

Tess, 56, stunned Strictly fans earlier this year when she revealed she would be stepping down after 21 years.

The host called it the “right time to hand over the reins.” As she prepares for her final episodes on the iconic BBC dance show, speculation has been swirling about her next move.

According to Closer, sources claim the long-time host is already being courted by ITV, and the deal could be worth a seven-figure sum.

“There is serious interest,” the insider revealed. “ITV know they need warmth, credibility and connection. Tess and Vernon tick every box.”

The source added, “They’re charming, relatable and real. Viewers loved Richard [Madeley] and Judy [Finnigan] because their connection was genuine. Tess and Vernon have that same spark. They bring a wholesome energy. People trust them, and that’s gold dust.”

They have been compared to iconic presenting couple, Richard and Judy (Credit: ITV)

Tess and Vernon

Tess and Vernon, 51, first met in 2001 and married two years later. They’ve since welcomed daughters Phoebe, 21, and Amber, 16.

Tess began hosting Strictly Come Dancing in 2004, alongside the late Sir Bruce Forsyth. She later became part of a beloved double act with Claudia Winkleman after Bruce stepped down in 2013.

Meanwhile, Vernon has fronted everything from All Star Family Fortunes to his own BBC Radio 2 show. He’s also no stranger to This Morning, having stepped in as a guest presenter. The new role, insiders say, could be a “big-time” comeback for him.

Current hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard have held down the This Morning fort since March 2024, following the resignations of Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield in 2023.

But reports suggest Cat may be considering stepping back, potentially opening the door for Tess and Vernon to take the reins.

The idea that Tess Daly and Vernon Kay could become the new Richard and Judy has ignited a wave of excitement and curiosity across the television industry and among daytime viewers alike. The suggestion that they are being lined up to present This Morning carries with it a sense of history, expectation, and the promise of a fresh era for one of Britain’s most enduring daytime programmes. For many, the comparison to Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan is not made lightly. Richard and Judy were more than presenters; they were a cultural touchstone, a couple whose chemistry, warmth, and authenticity defined an entire generation of morning television. To suggest that Tess and Vernon could follow in their footsteps is to place them at the heart of a legacy that shaped how viewers connect with daytime TV.

At the centre of this conversation is the undeniable appeal of Tess Daly and Vernon Kay as a couple. Both have built long, successful careers in broadcasting, navigating the shifting landscape of television with adaptability and professionalism. Tess, with her calm authority and polished elegance, has become synonymous with Strictly Come Dancing, a show that relies heavily on trust, continuity, and warmth. Vernon, on the other hand, brings an affable, down-to-earth energy shaped by years of radio and television presenting, making him instantly relatable to audiences. Together, they represent a balance of glamour and accessibility, a combination that has long been the secret to successful daytime television.

The notion of them stepping into This Morning comes at a time when the programme itself is at a crossroads. Having been on air for decades, the show has evolved through numerous presenting line-ups, each reflecting the mood and expectations of its era. From its earliest days to its modern format, This Morning has thrived when it has felt personal, familiar, and grounded in genuine rapport between its hosts. Richard and Judy’s era is often remembered as the golden age precisely because viewers felt they were being invited into a real relationship, one that unfolded naturally on screen. Tess and Vernon, as a real-life married couple, offer that same potential authenticity.

What makes this pairing particularly compelling is the sense that Tess and Vernon are not chasing reinvention but rather offering evolution. Neither is a newcomer seeking to prove themselves, nor are they figures clinging to past fame. Instead, they are established, respected broadcasters who understand the rhythms of live television. Their experience would allow them to navigate the demands of This Morning with confidence, from handling serious news topics to embracing lighter segments with humour and ease. This versatility is essential for a show that shifts tone seamlessly throughout each broadcast.

For Tess Daly, the transition to a daytime presenting role would mark a significant but natural progression. Her work on Strictly Come Dancing has demonstrated her ability to connect with viewers across generations, maintaining a sense of warmth while commanding authority. She has become a reassuring presence in millions of homes, someone viewers trust to guide them through emotional moments, celebratory highs, and unexpected challenges. Bringing that presence to This Morning would reinforce the programme’s role as a trusted companion in daily life.

Vernon Kay’s appeal lies in his relatability and conversational style. His background in radio has honed his ability to engage audiences through voice alone, creating intimacy and connection without visual cues. Translating that skill to television has allowed him to excel in formats that rely on spontaneity and authenticity. On This Morning, where unscripted moments often become highlights, Vernon’s quick thinking and easy humour could prove invaluable. His ability to put guests at ease would help foster the kind of open, engaging conversations that define the show at its best.

The comparison to Richard and Judy inevitably raises questions about chemistry. Chemistry cannot be manufactured; it must feel organic and unforced. Tess and Vernon’s relationship, built over years away from the spotlight, offers that sense of authenticity. They are familiar with one another’s rhythms, strengths, and vulnerabilities, allowing for a natural dynamic that could translate seamlessly on screen. Viewers are often adept at sensing when interactions are genuine, and this authenticity is crucial for daytime television, where audiences invite presenters into their homes on a daily basis.

There is also a broader cultural context to consider. Daytime television has shifted significantly since Richard and Judy first appeared on This Morning. Audiences are more media-savvy, more diverse in their expectations, and more engaged through social platforms. Tess and Vernon represent a modern kind of broadcasting partnership, one that understands the importance of inclusivity, sensitivity, and adaptability. Their presence could help the show remain relevant while honouring its roots.

The idea of a married couple presenting This Morning also taps into a sense of comfort and familiarity that viewers often crave, particularly during uncertain times. Daytime television serves as a constant for many, offering routine and reassurance. Seeing a couple who embody stability and mutual respect can enhance that sense of comfort. Tess and Vernon’s relationship, often described as grounded and supportive, aligns with this expectation, making them appealing figures for a show designed to accompany viewers through their day.

From a production perspective, the pairing makes strategic sense. Both presenters bring loyal audiences with them, drawn from different segments of the viewing public. Tess’s association with Strictly attracts viewers who appreciate tradition, elegance, and emotional storytelling, while Vernon’s radio background and varied television work appeal to those who value approachability and humour. Combining these audiences could strengthen This Morning’s reach and reinforce its position in a competitive daytime schedule.

The prospect of Tess and Vernon taking on the role also raises questions about how the show might evolve under their stewardship. While the core elements of This Morning would remain, their influence could shape the tone and pacing of the programme. Tess’s calm, composed style might lend itself to thoughtful discussions and sensitive interviews, while Vernon’s energy could drive lighter segments and audience interaction. This balance mirrors the dynamic that made Richard and Judy so successful, where depth and levity coexisted effortlessly.

Public reaction to the idea has been largely positive, reflecting a readiness for familiar faces who bring reassurance rather than controversy. In an era where television often competes with digital platforms for attention, the value of trusted presenters cannot be overstated. Tess and Vernon’s reputations for professionalism and integrity position them as safe yet engaging choices, capable of maintaining the show’s credibility while refreshing its appeal.

The legacy of Richard and Judy looms large in any discussion of This Morning, but it is important to recognise that Tess and Vernon would not be expected to replicate that era exactly. Instead, they would be stepping into a new chapter, informed by the past but shaped by the present. The comparison serves less as a blueprint and more as a benchmark, highlighting the qualities viewers value in daytime presenters: warmth, authenticity, and connection.

For Tess Daly, balancing commitments would be a key consideration. Her longstanding role on Strictly Come Dancing has become a defining aspect of her career, and any move to This Morning would need to accommodate that relationship. However, her ability to manage high-profile projects simultaneously speaks to her professionalism and adaptability. Viewers have come to trust her consistency, and this trust would likely extend to any new role she undertakes.

Vernon Kay’s career trajectory also suggests readiness for such a move. Having navigated various formats, from radio to reality shows, he brings a breadth of experience that would serve him well in the unpredictable environment of live daytime television. His familiarity with live broadcasting ensures he can handle unexpected moments with composure, an essential skill for This Morning.

The suggestion that Tess and Vernon could become the new Richard and Judy also speaks to a broader desire for couples who feel real rather than manufactured. In a media landscape often criticised for artificiality, genuine partnerships stand out. Tess and Vernon’s relationship, largely kept private despite their public profiles, conveys sincerity and mutual respect. This authenticity could resonate strongly with viewers seeking connection in their daily viewing.

As discussions continue behind the scenes, the anticipation surrounding this potential pairing reflects the enduring power of daytime television to capture public imagination. This Morning is more than a programme; it is a fixture in British culture, woven into the routines of countless viewers. Any change to its presenting line-up carries weight, shaping how audiences experience their mornings.

If Tess Daly and Vernon Kay were to step into these roles, they would do so with an awareness of that responsibility. Their combined experience, chemistry, and credibility suggest they could honour the programme’s legacy while guiding it confidently into the future. The comparison to Richard and Judy may set a high bar, but it also underscores the belief that Tess and Vernon possess the qualities necessary to meet it.

Ultimately, the excitement surrounding this possibility lies not just in nostalgia, but in hope. Hope that This Morning can continue to feel like a trusted companion, evolving without losing its soul. Tess Daly and Vernon Kay, as a couple and as broadcasters, embody that balance of continuity and change. Whether or not they officially take on the role, the conversation itself highlights the enduring importance of connection, authenticity, and warmth in daytime television.

In the end, becoming the new Richard and Judy is less about comparison and more about impact. It is about creating moments that feel personal, conversations that feel genuine, and a presence that viewers welcome into their homes each day. Tess and Vernon, with their shared history and individual strengths, appear uniquely positioned to do just that, offering a vision of This Morning that feels both familiar and refreshed, rooted in tradition yet open to the future.

As the conversation around Tess Daly and Vernon Kay gathers momentum, what truly captures the imagination is not simply the prospect of a presenting shake-up, but the emotional undercurrent beneath it. This is not just about television schedules or contractual negotiations; it is about the idea of familiarity returning to the heart of daytime television at a moment when many viewers crave reassurance more than ever. The suggestion that Tess and Vernon could become the new Richard and Judy touches something deeply rooted in the British viewing experience, a longing for presenters who feel less like broadcasters and more like companions.

There is something profoundly comforting about the image of a married couple guiding viewers through the rhythms of the day. Morning television is uniquely intimate. It meets people in their kitchens, living rooms, hospital waiting areas, and quiet moments of solitude. It is there when the house is still, when the kettle is boiling, when life feels overwhelming or gently hopeful. The presenters who occupy that space do not simply deliver content; they shape emotional tone. Tess Daly and Vernon Kay, by virtue of who they are and how they have lived their careers in the public eye, seem instinctively suited to that responsibility.

Tess has always carried herself with a sense of grace that feels earned rather than performed. Over the years, viewers have watched her navigate live television with composure even in the most emotionally charged moments. On Strictly Come Dancing, she has stood beside contestants at their most vulnerable, offering empathy without intrusion, encouragement without condescension. That ability to hold space for others, to let moments breathe, is rare and invaluable in daytime television. It suggests a presenter who understands that silence can be as powerful as speech, that listening matters as much as talking.

Vernon Kay brings a different but complementary emotional register. Where Tess is measured and serene, Vernon is open and conversational. His warmth is not polished but natural, the kind that disarms rather than dazzles. Years of radio have taught him how to speak directly to individuals even when addressing millions. He has a way of making conversations feel shared rather than staged, of responding rather than performing. On This Morning, a show built around dialogue and interaction, that quality could transform everyday segments into moments of genuine connection.

Together, Tess and Vernon embody a partnership that feels balanced and real. They are not defined by spectacle or controversy, but by consistency and mutual respect. In an era when celebrity relationships are often scrutinized, sensationalized, or commodified, their quiet stability stands out. They have never needed to convince the public of their authenticity; it has revealed itself naturally over time. That authenticity is precisely what made Richard and Judy so beloved, not perfection, but relatability.

The comparison to Richard and Judy inevitably stirs nostalgia, but it also raises deeper questions about what viewers truly value. Richard and Judy were not perfect presenters, nor were they universally adored at every moment. What made them iconic was their willingness to be themselves on screen, to disagree, to laugh, to falter, and to share those moments openly. They created an atmosphere where viewers felt included rather than addressed. Tess and Vernon, in their own quieter way, offer the same possibility.

As the television landscape becomes increasingly fragmented, the role of flagship daytime shows like This Morning becomes even more significant. Streaming services offer choice, but they do not offer companionship. Social media offers connection, but not consistency. Daytime television fills a unique emotional gap, providing structure and familiarity in a world that often feels chaotic. Presenters are the anchors of that experience, and the right pairing can define an era.

Imagining Tess and Vernon in the This Morning studio invites a vision of calm continuity. One can picture them greeting viewers with warmth rather than urgency, approaching difficult topics with sensitivity, and embracing lighter moments with genuine joy. Their dynamic would not rely on scripted banter but on shared understanding, the kind that allows for subtle humour and unspoken communication. These are the moments viewers remember, the sideways glance, the knowing smile, the gentle reassurance.

There is also something quietly powerful about the idea of maturity returning to the forefront of daytime television. Tess and Vernon are not chasing relevance; they already possess it. Their appeal does not stem from novelty but from trust built over decades. That trust cannot be manufactured overnight. It is earned through consistency, professionalism, and respect for the audience. In a medium where audiences are often underestimated, this respect is deeply felt.

The emotional resonance of this potential pairing is amplified by timing. The nation has lived through periods of uncertainty, change, and emotional fatigue. During such times, familiar voices and faces take on greater importance. Viewers gravitate toward those who feel steady, those who do not inflame anxiety but gently guide conversation. Tess and Vernon’s demeanour aligns naturally with that need. They do not dominate space; they hold it.

Behind the scenes, the decision to line them up for This Morning would reflect an understanding of television not just as entertainment, but as emotional infrastructure. Producers know that formats can evolve, segments can change, but the relationship between presenters and viewers is sacred. It is built slowly and lost quickly. Choosing presenters with integrity and emotional intelligence is not simply a creative choice; it is an ethical one.

For Tess, stepping into this role would represent not a departure from her identity, but an expansion of it. She has always been more than a host; she has been a presence. Bringing that presence to a daily format would allow viewers to see new dimensions of her personality, quieter moments of reflection, spontaneous reactions, everyday warmth. It would humanize her further, not by diminishing her professionalism, but by contextualizing it within ordinary life.

For Vernon, the opportunity would offer a space to fully express the skills he has honed over years of conversation-based broadcasting. This Morning thrives on curiosity, responsiveness, and emotional agility. His ability to listen actively, to adapt tone, and to respond with empathy could elevate the programme’s conversational depth. He would not seek to dominate discussion, but to facilitate it, creating room for voices beyond his own.

As a couple, their presence would subtly challenge assumptions about how relationships are portrayed on television. There would be no performative affection, no exaggerated banter designed to entertain at the expense of authenticity. Instead, viewers would witness partnership expressed through respect, patience, and mutual support. In its own quiet way, that representation matters. It offers an alternative narrative, one rooted in longevity rather than spectacle.

The emotional power of this potential transition lies in its simplicity. There is no dramatic reinvention promised, no radical departure from tradition. Instead, there is the suggestion of care, of thoughtfulness, of returning to the core values that made daytime television meaningful in the first place. Values like trust, warmth, and shared humanity.

As viewers imagine tuning in and seeing Tess and Vernon seated together, the feeling is less one of surprise and more one of recognition. It feels right, not because it is exciting in a sensational sense, but because it aligns with what many want television to be again. A place of connection rather than conflict, of conversation rather than confrontation.

If this vision were to become reality, it would not erase the past or attempt to replicate it exactly. Richard and Judy’s era belongs to its time, shaped by the culture and context in which it existed. Tess and Vernon would bring their own era, their own sensibilities, and their own emotional language. The comparison serves not as a burden, but as an acknowledgement of potential.

In the quiet moments between headlines and speculation, what remains most compelling is the emotional truth at the heart of the story. Television matters because people matter. The presenters who succeed are those who understand that their role extends beyond the screen. They are companions, listeners, and guides through the ordinary and extraordinary moments of daily life.

Tess Daly and Vernon Kay, whether or not they ultimately take on the mantle of This Morning, represent that ideal. The fact that so many viewers can imagine them in that role speaks volumes. It reflects a collective desire for kindness, stability, and authenticity in the spaces we invite into our homes each day.

And perhaps that is the most powerful element of all. Not the comparison to Richard and Judy, not the industry speculation, but the emotional readiness of an audience willing to welcome Tess and Vernon into their mornings. In that readiness lies the true measure of their impact. Not as celebrities, not as presenters, but as people who feel familiar, trusted, and warmly human.

If daytime television is, at its best, a mirror of everyday life, then Tess Daly and Vernon Kay reflect it gently and honestly. And in a world that often feels loud and restless, that gentle honesty may be exactly what viewers have been waiting for.