Former Page 3 model Rhian Sugden has revisited her tumultuous past with TV host Vernon Kay, recounting how their sexting scandal left her career in disarray. This revelation comes amid the shocking news of Vernon Kay and Tess Daly's divorce after nearly a quarter of a century together.
The couple, known for their seemingly unshakeable bond, announced their separation with a joint statement, citing a mutual understanding and amicability. However, the echoes of Vernon's past indiscretion with Rhian, which surfaced 16 years ago, still linger for some, especially Rhian herself.
Reflecting on the event, Rhian shared her heartbreak, feeling that Vernon "got away with it" after Tess chose to forgive him. Rhian, now 39, expressed how the incident negatively impacted her rising career, leaving her distraught and regretful.
“He just got away with it. It ruined everything for me. I felt like I was going up and up with my career and then that came along. I wish I’d never met him.”
Since the scandal, Vernon publicly apologized to his wife Tess on his Radio 1 show, acknowledging his "foolish and stupid" actions. Despite their efforts to move past the incident, the couple's eventual split suggests that the past may not have been entirely left behind.
In the aftermath of the scandal, both Rhian and Vernon have made significant life changes. Rhian has since married Oliver Mellor, and after a long IVF journey, welcomed their son George in April 2024. Vernon and Tess, who married in 2003, have chosen to prioritize their roles as parents in their separation.
Despite the public nature of their split, the couple emphasized their commitment to co-parenting their daughters, Phoebe and Amber. Tess, who recently left her long-time role at Strictly Come Dancing, is reportedly planning to take a "grown-up gap year," embracing this new chapter in her life.
With their divorce, Vernon and Tess ask for privacy as they navigate the changes, focusing on their family's well-being above all.