Tess Daly has two children, Phoebe Elizabeth Kay and Amber Isabella Kay, whom she shares with her husband of over 20 years, Vernon Kay. As of early 2026, their eldest daughter, Phoebe, is 21 years old and has recently made headlines for relocating to New York City to pursue her own path after years of being her mother’s “mini-me” at high-profile events. Their younger daughter, Amber, is 16 years old and remains largely out of the public eye as she completes her secondary education in the UK. Despite their parents’ status as a British television “power couple,” Tess and Vernon have famously maintained a “no silver spoon” policy, insisting that both girls understand the value of hard work and kindness.
Phoebe Elizabeth Kay: The Eldest
Born on October 17, 2004, Phoebe Elizabeth Kay is the couple’s first child and has recently stepped into her “second act” as a young adult.
New York City Relocation
In January 2026, Phoebe made a significant life change by moving across the Atlantic to New York City. She shared the news via Instagram with a skyline view of the Empire State Building, captioned “Home for a while,” and updated her social media bio to reflect her new “LDN/NYC” lifestyle. While she has not publicly disclosed the exact nature of her move—whether for study or a burgeoning career in fashion or media—her relocation follows a series of high-profile appearances alongside her mother, where fans frequently noted their striking resemblance.
Early Years and Sleep Issues
Tess has been candid about the “rough” early years with Phoebe, revealing that her eldest daughter did not sleep through the night until she was three-and-a-half years old. On the Happy Mum, Happy Baby podcast, Tess described the exhaustion of being a working mum on Strictly while Phoebe was waking up multiple times a night, often using the baby monitor like “room service.” This period of sleep deprivation was so intense that the couple waited over four years before considering a second child.
Amber Isabella Kay: The Youngest
Amber Isabella Kay was born on May 30, 2009, and is currently navigating her mid-teens under a more private lens than her older sister.
A Different Baby Experience
Unlike her older sister, Amber was famously described by Tess as a “little angel” who slept for 12 hours straight from just three months old. Tess admitted that she had enforced a “no tolerance” policy regarding sleep with Amber to avoid the exhaustion she faced with Phoebe, but fortunately, the youngest member of the family was naturally a better sleeper. This allowed the family to find a smoother rhythm during Amber’s early childhood years in their Buckinghamshire home.
Privacy and Education
While Phoebe has begun to embrace public appearances, Amber remains more “rarely seen” on social media. Tess and Vernon have expressed that they want their children to make their own choices about fame when they are old enough, rather than having it thrust upon them. As of 2026, Amber is 16 and focusing on her school results, with her parents recently celebrating her academic milestones in private social media posts that emphasized their pride in her “ambition and drive.”
Parenting Style and Family Values
Tess Daly and Vernon Kay are well-known for their down-to-earth approach to raising children in the spotlight.
The “No Silver Spoon” Policy
Tess has frequently stated that she and Vernon “wouldn’t dream” of giving their daughters a silver spoon, wanting them to witness their parents’ work ethic firsthand. She has shared that both girls are aware of their parents’ humble beginnings—Tess from a textile factory background in Stockport and Vernon from Bolton—and are encouraged to find their own success. “I think that’s how you ruin your children’s ambitions,” Tess told HELLO! in late 2025, explaining why they strive for a “normal” upbringing.
“Good Cop, Bad Cop”
Vernon Kay recently revealed a unique parenting tactic the couple uses: they alternate the roles of “good cop” and “bad cop” to keep their daughters guessing. According to Vernon, this ensures that neither parent is always the disciplinarian, allowing for a balanced relationship with both girls as they grow. They also prioritize teaching “kindness as a superpower,” viewing it as the most important personality trait for their children to own.
Life After Strictly: The “Empty Nest”
With Phoebe moved out and Amber nearing adulthood, Tess’s 2026 looks very different from the previous two decades.
A New Era for Tess
Tess’s decision to step down from Strictly Come Dancing at the end of the 2025 series was heavily influenced by her desire to be more present for her family during this transitional period. In early 2026, she has focused on her swimwear and activewear brand, Naia Beach, with Phoebe even showing her support on social media for the brand’s new collections. Tess has described this phase of life as having a “calmness” that allows her to enjoy the wisdom of her fifties while remaining her daughters’ “best friend.”
Practical Information and Planning
For fans following the Daly-Kay family’s public journey, here are the key facts to know for 2026.
Key Dates and Ages
Phoebe Elizabeth Kay: Born Oct 17, 2004 (Age 21 in 2026).
Amber Isabella Kay: Born May 30, 2009 (Age 16, turning 17 in May 2026).
Family Location: Based in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, though Phoebe is currently in New York.
What to Expect
Phoebe’s Career: Expect to see more of Phoebe in the fashion or lifestyle space, potentially bridging her life between London and New York.
Family Collaborations: While Tess and Vernon occasionally host together (recently seen on The One Show), they keep their children’s commercial involvement to a minimum to protect their privacy.
FAQs
How many children does Tess Daly have?
Tess Daly has two daughters: Phoebe Elizabeth (21) and Amber Isabella (16).
Who is the father of Tess Daly’s children?
The father is her husband, TV presenter and Radio 2 DJ Vernon Kay. The couple has been married since 2003.
Is Phoebe Kay a model?
While Phoebe has appeared in glam snaps with her mother and is often called her “double,” she has not officially launched a full-time modelling career as of early 2026, though she is highly influential in the fashion space.
Where does Tess Daly’s daughter Phoebe live?
As of January 2026, Phoebe has relocated to New York City, though she still frequents London.
What are the ages of Tess Daly’s children in 2026?
Phoebe is 21 and Amber is 16 (turning 17 in May 2026).
Are Tess Daly’s children on social media?
Phoebe has a public-facing Instagram profile where she shares updates, whereas Amber’s social media presence is kept much more private and restricted.
Why did Tess Daly wait 4 years between children?
Tess has explained that Phoebe’s severe sleep deprivation as a baby (not sleeping through for 3.5 years) made them wait before having a second child.
Do Tess Daly’s children go to private school?
The couple keeps specific details of their children’s education private, but they reside in an area known for high-quality schooling in Buckinghamshire.
What is the “YouClip” system Tess mentions?
This is actually a feature of the Dacia Spring car brand, which Tess is not associated with; for family travel, the Kays are often seen in more traditional luxury SUVs.
Did Phoebe Kay watch her mother on Strictly?
Yes, Phoebe has stated that she has “Strictly memories close to her heart” because her mother was pregnant with her when the show started in 2004.
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