Who is Tess Daly’s Eldest Daughter? Meet Phoebe Elizabeth Kay

Tess Daly’s eldest daughter is Phoebe Elizabeth Kay, born on 17 October 2004 in Westminster, London. She is 21 and will turn 22 this month. Her father is Radio 2 broadcaster Vernon Kay. Phoebe studies film and television, and she now lives in New York. Tess Daly has fronted Saturday nights for two decades. Her first child grew up just off camera. She stayed out of the papers until she turned 18, by her parents’ choice.

Who is Phoebe Elizabeth Kay?

Phoebe grew up in Buckinghamshire. Tess missed half of Strictly’s second series because she had just given birth to her, so the show has run alongside her whole life. She is a film and television student with an eye on production, not a confirmed actress, host, or signed model.

Her Age and Birthday

Phoebe is 21, and her 22nd birthday falls on 17 October 2026. A few celebrity panels list 16 October. The 17th is better supported, because Tess posted a tribute that day in 2022 and said her daughter was 18.

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A Childhood Kept Off Camera

Her parents kept both girls out of the press until they came of age. Tess explained the thinking in a 2021 MailOnline interview, saying the couple worked hard to keep them grounded. “Phoebe didn’t even know I worked on TV until she was about seven!” she said. “She just thought I went to work on a Saturday because to them it is work.” Phoebe has summed up that upbringing in six words. She told The Sun: “Everything was so normal, so I didn’t realise.”

Her Parents and Her Sister

Tess Daly, 57, is a former model from Stockport who hosted Strictly Come Dancing for 21 years. She received an MBE for broadcasting in November 2025, with Vernon and Phoebe beside her at Windsor Castle. Vernon Kay, 52, grew up in Horwich near Bolton, fronted All Star Family Fortunes and now hosts mid-mornings on BBC Radio 2. They met in 2001 through Channel 4’s T4 and married on 12 September 2003 in Horwich. Tess later told Digital Spy the romance was immediate and explosive. Her only sibling is Amber Isabella Kay, born on 30 May 2009, now 17 and rarely seen in public.

Education and Career Plans

Phoebe sat her A-levels in summer 2023. Vernon took her to Ibiza afterwards, and the family celebrated her results that August. She began university in 2024, and a National World profile described her as reportedly studying film and TV. She is clear about the work she wants. “I like the production and editing side,” she said. “I’d love to act but will leave presenting to my mum and dad.” She would gladly start as a runner, she added.

The Move to New York

In January 2026, she shared a rooftop photo from Manhattan captioned “Home for a while…”. Her Instagram bio reads “Heyyyy LDN/NYC”. By April 2026, Vernon had confirmed she was studying in the city, and Wales Online reported that she was pursuing modelling. Tess herself modelled in New York for five years in the 1990s.

Red Carpets and Wimbledon

Her debut came in March 2023 at the London screening of John Wick: Chapter 4, on her father’s arm. She joined him at the Vanity Fair EE Rising Star Party in 2024 and again in February 2025. July 2025 brought the Henley Festival with both parents and the Wimbledon men’s final with Vernon. Good Housekeeping noted the double take the pair prompted. A British Vogue and Netflix BAFTA party followed on 7 May 2026, then Wimbledon that July beside Tess in a matching summer look.

Instagram, Style, and Habits

Her account @phoebeekay was listed as a personal blog with 69 posts and 27,500 followers when last counted. It covers London, New York, the Hamptons and family occasions. HELLO! has called her mother’s double more than once. Her wardrobe mixes event glamour with thrift. She upcycles clothes, buys on Vinted, browses car boot sales and borrows from Tess. She also runs and plays badminton.

Her Parents’ Separation

On 8 May 2026, Tess and Vernon announced their split on Instagram. The Press Association carried their words: “After much consideration, and with a deep sense of care and respect for one another, we have made the decision to separate amicably.” They added that they “remain great friends and, most importantly, fully committed to our roles as loving and supportive parents, which will always be our priority”. Phoebe has kept her feed free of it.

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Net Worth and Mistaken Identity

No credible net worth figure exists for her. She has never discussed earnings or property, and her parents’ money is not hers. A Daily Mail piece put it neatly: while many famous children follow their parents, Phoebe is forging her own path. Two unrelated women share the name: Phoebe Moyer, an American who worked in hotel events, and Phoebe Elizabeth Farrar, an Australian stockwoman born in 1868.

FAQs

Who is Tess Daly’s eldest daughter?

Ans: She is Phoebe Elizabeth Kay, born on 17 October 2004. Her father is broadcaster Vernon Kay, and her younger sister is Amber.

How old is Phoebe Elizabeth Kay?

Ans: She is 21 and turns 22 on 17 October 2026. Some sites list 16 October, but the 17th is better supported.

What does Phoebe Kay do for a living?

Ans: She has no confirmed career. She studies film and television, favours production and editing, and is reported to be pursuing modelling.

Where does Phoebe Kay live now?

Ans: She moved to New York in January 2026 and has called it home “for a while”. Her bio lists London and New York.

What is Phoebe Kay’s Instagram account?

Ans: Her account is @phoebeekay, a personal blog covering city life, travel, fashion and family events.

Are Tess Daly and Vernon Kay still together?

Ans: No. They announced an amicable separation on 8 May 2026, after nearly 23 years of marriage, with no other parties involved.

Sources & References:

• The Sun – She said, “Everything was so normal, so I didn’t realise.”

• Wales Online – She was pursuing a modelling career.

• Daily Mail – While many famous children follow their parents, Phoebe is forging her own path.

• Good Housekeeping – The double take the pair prompted.