Vernon Kay holds back tears ahead of wife Tess last ever Strictly show

Vernon Kay held back tears as he shared an emotional tribute to his wife Tess Daly ahead of her final ever show on Strictly Come Dancing this weekend.

The presenter, 56, is set to bow out of Strictly with her co-host Claudia Winkleman after 21 years and 216 days on air on Saturday.

Tess, 56, has been part of the series since it’s very first episode back in 2004 where she presented alongside the late Bruce Forsyth.

Sir Bruce – who died in 2017 – starred alongside her until his retirement in 2013, when Claudia then took over.

Vernon, 51, reflected on the incredible years Tess has had on the show and said he will struggle to fight back the tears while watching in the audience.

Speaking on his BBC Radio 2 show, he said: ‘It’s Tess’ last Strictly on Saturday and I can’t say too much because I’m going to get really emotional, but it’s been an amazing 21 years.

‘She has been at the helm of that show with Bruce and with Claudia and it’s been nothing but raucous fun. It’s been the favorite show of the nation for so long since it started and it’s seen our two kids arrived through the show as well.

‘Phoebe was in the belly during the first series and now she’s 21. She’s gonna be in the audience for the last show.

‘Strictly Come Dancing, it’s not just Tess, it’s not just Claudia and it wasn’t Tess and Bruce, it’s the whole team. The whole team have made it such a joy to work on and I’ve just observed from the outside you know what I mean?

‘I’ve just been kind of swept up by the whirlwind that is Strictly Come Dancing and I’ve just got to say congratulations on an amazing run, it does feel like we’ve lost a friend, but what she has achieved on that show is exceptional.

‘Two women at the helm of the BBC’s most successful entertainment show, some might say quite possibly of all time the fact that it’s been on telly for 21 years.

‘So Tess, you have a great great weekend and you deserve everything that’s coming your way – the celebrations, the tears of joy, the hugs, the popping of the corks you well and truly deserve it because 21 years in entertainment is no mean feat, I mean it.

‘Bravo you, lots of love from all of us all – she’s not listening, she’s in rehearsal but someone will play back to her you know what I mean?

‘I can’t wait and if you are going to watch Strictly Come Dancing the final on Saturday, look out for me in the background, I will be pulling some funny faces as usual.

‘I’ll try and hide my tears but I think that’s gonna be virtually impossible from start to finish. 21 years it’s been in our family it’s bonkers, it really is.’

It comes after Tess and Claudia were surprised with an emotional tribute during Sunday’s results show.

The two presenters announced in October that they were stepping down as hosts of the BBC show together, with the current series to be their last.

And in honour of their time on the dancing competition, the judging panel surprised the duo with a moving video compilation of all their best bits.

Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke joined Claudia in the Clauditorium for a debrief ahead of the results of the public vote.

But they then called on Tess to join them, as Craig revealed the judges wanted to take the opportunity to pay them tribute, saying: ‘We just want to tell you how much we’re going to miss you and how much we love you to bits.’

He then quipped: ‘I personally, want to say thank you Clauds for the dresses and the shoes you’ve thrown my way and to you Tess, for all the pizza parties in your dressing room’.

A touched Tess and Claudia then became choked-up as they were presented with a VT of their time on the show, with comments from each of the judges.

‘Between the two of them, they are magic,’ Shirley declared. ‘They showed me the ropes and cared about me and I for sure am going to miss them deeply.’

And Anton and Craig poked fun at the duo’s poor dancing abilities, with Anton joking: ‘After all these years and neither of them learned a step of dancing.’

While Craig chimed in: ‘I know one thing, without a doubt, they will keep dancing… badly.’

Among the clips of the two friends joking about together, there were also clips of  legendary Strictly host Bruce Forsyth, from his first episode with Tess back in 2004.

And watching the montage, Tess and Claudia were overcome by emotion, as Claudia gushed: ‘We love you, we’re so lucky. It’s been an honour!’

While Tess added: ‘You guys are like family to us, and we’re always think that about you all. We’ve had the most amazing time.’