In a heartfelt revelation, Tess Daly opened up about her family struggles, sharing insights into her parenting journey with husband Vernon Kay. The couple, parents to two daughters, Phoebe and Amber, have faced significant challenges, especially with their eldest daughter’s sleep issues.
Tess Daly’s Family Struggles: A Candid Reflection
During a recent episode of the Happy Mum, Happy Baby podcast, Tess, 51, discussed the intense sleep deprivation she experienced. Phoebe, now 21, did not sleep through the night for over three years, causing stress for both parents.
Parenting Challenges
Tess described Phoebe’s frequent nighttime awakenings, recalling how she would come down the hallway and speak through the baby monitor. “She’d say, ‘Hi, I’m awake, can I have a bottle?!’ like it was room service,” Tess笑d. She emphasized how exhausting this period was, both physically and mentally.
- Phoebe’s sleep issues lasted for three and a half years.
- Tess often struggled to stay awake for work after sleepless nights.
- When Amber, now 15, was born, Tess implemented a strict “no tolerance” policy on sleep disruptions.
- Fortunately, Amber began sleeping for 12 hours a night at just three months old.
Transitioning from Strictly Come Dancing
In addition to sharing her family struggles, Tess recently announced her departure from Strictly Come Dancing after a remarkable 21 years. In her Instagram statement, she reflected on the significance of the show in her life:
- Tess joined Strictly when it first aired in 2004.
- She described the show as a “third child” and a “second family.”
- Her collaboration with co-host Claudia Winkleman has also come to an end.
Tess expressed profound gratitude towards the show and her colleague, stating, “I’m so grateful to have you as my friend for life.” Despite leaving, she assured fans that the glitter and joy of the show would always hold a special place in her heart.
As she embarks on this new chapter, Tess Daly continues to prioritize her family and cherish the memories created during her years on Strictly Come Dancing.
