Tess Daly has shared her emotional struggle as she faces a major family shift: her eldest daughter, Phoebe, is preparing to leave home.
Last week, Tess opened up on Loose Women about being “in denial” over 18-year-old Phoebe flying the nest to attend drama school. When panellist Jane Moore remarked she couldn’t believe how grown-up Phoebe was, Tess replied, “I know, same, I’m in denial. She’s not ever leaving, I can’t think about it.”
Now, insiders have revealed that while Tess is bursting with pride at Phoebe’s next big adventure, she’s also deeply anxious about how this change will affect the family dynamic.
A source told Closer: “Tess is understandably feeling a mix of emotions about Phoebe going off to drama school. She’s incredibly proud and excited for her, but she also feels sad thinking about her leaving the nest and worries about how things at home will change.”
The source added: “Tess is extremely close to Phoebe and, aside from missing her terribly, she feels tearful and nervous about ‘losing’ her for good. She fears these might be her last few months at home, as Phoebe will likely want to live with friends afterward — it feels more like a permanent split.”
Tess, 54, shares Phoebe and her younger daughter Amber, 13, with husband Vernon Kay, 48. The couple, who will celebrate 20 years of marriage this September, have faced ups and downs — including Vernon’s sexting scandal in 2010 and further allegations in 2015. Despite this, they overcame the drama and have largely kept their daughters out of the limelight.
Phoebe, however, made a glamorous red carpet debut last month at the John Wick: Chapter 4 UK premiere with Vernon.
Vernon has also admitted it feels “weird” preparing to see his eldest daughter leave home. Last year he said, “It only feels like two minutes ago they [Phoebe and Amber] were both in nappies.”
He shared that his parents always told him to “enjoy every minute” with his daughters, admitting Phoebe’s 18th year “came around so quickly.”
Both Tess and Vernon have emphasized raising their girls to be independent, with Vernon saying, “Sometimes I think that the old silver spoon and life on a plate is quite contradictory to how you want them to be.”
He continued, “Tess and I grew up in hearty, wholesome Northern families, and that really shaped us. We think it’s important for the girls to find themselves rather than relying on us.”
Vernon added, “I don’t disagree with parents helping their kids, but for us, it’s about them discovering who they are.”
Despite having Vernon’s full support, Tess still struggles with waves of sadness as she thinks back to when the girls were little.
A source said: “Vernon has been comforting Tess and reminding her that they still have Amber at home, so it’s not a complete empty nest. But Tess can’t help but feel like Phoebe’s departure might unsettle the family dynamic. She gets very emotional, but knows deep down it’s best for Phoebe. She feels nostalgic for when they were small and needed her for everything.”
On Phoebe’s 18th birthday last October, Tess shared a series of sweet photos, writing, “Where did the time go? Our little Phoebe is 18 today! We are so proud of you and can’t wait to celebrate this milestone. Love you to the moon & back.”
Now, a source reveals that Vernon is encouraging Tess to focus on new adventures they can share as a couple.
The insider explained: “Vernon is keen to remind Tess how hands-on and devoted they’ve been as parents and that once the girls eventually move out, they can start ticking off their own bucket list — traveling, taking up new hobbies, and rediscovering life together.”
The source added: “Tess is really trying to look at the positives. She’s excited about future adventures with Vernon and is beginning to embrace this new chapter as their daughters start to carve out their own paths.”
