Tess Daly has said her nerves are 'shredded' as her emotional catch-up with her husband Vernon Kay was heard live on the radio. The Strictly Come Dancing host has been trying to keep in regular contact with her other half as he takes on an epic challenge.
BBC Radio 2 host is now nearing the end of his exhausting challenge to help raise cash for Children In Need. Verno started his 115-mile ultra ultramarathon on Tuesday - which he aims to complete onFriday morning before the charity's annual appeal show airs on BBC One in the evening.
He started his challenge at Victoria Park in Leicester and aims to finish in his hometown of Bolton at Bolton Wanderers stadium. On Thursday (November 16), the TV and radio star started day three of his challenge in Peak District, after a night's rest in the Hope Valley, before finishing the day in Manchester city centre, where he will spend the night before the final leg of the run on Friday, after a visit to Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground.
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Then on Friday (November 17), Zoe Ball has announced that she will be bringing her BBC Radio 2 show to Bolton in order to cheer on Vernon as he hopefully completes the challenge at Bolton Wanderers' stadium.
Meanwhile, during Thursday's Sara Cox show, Vernon got the chance to catch-up with wife Tess live on air, before it was revealed he has so far raised a whopping more than £2.4million for Children In Need.
"Oh my goodness, it’s been emotional hasn’t it today?" Tess remarked to which Vernon replied: "Oh it’s been absolutely bonkers, it really has, it’s been hard work today Tess. It’s been one of those days where it’s been a real struggle and we’ve been digging deep. Not just me but everyone! Because it’s been tough."
It is then when Tess, who is gearing up to host Strictly in Blackpool this weekend, commented: "Honestly, I feel like I’m genuinely like I’m there with you every step of the way in spirit. I wish I could be there... My nerves are shredded because I, literally I can’t do anything else I’m just listening to the radio and just waiting for news.
"And waiting to hear from you. And today Kinder was, how long was that Kinder Scout the highest peak in the Peak District? How long did that take?" Vernon confirmed it took around eight hours to which Tess said, having clearly been conerned: "You went AWOL... I was on pins because you went missing and I was listening to Scott’s show and they couldn’t get a hold of you and I was like [panicked noises].
"And I tried calling and you weren’t even showing up on the tracker, I was like “Oh my god, he’s gone, where is he?" Sara then asked: "Tess, you two have just celebrated your 20th wedding anniversary, you obviously know Vernon very well but have even you been surprised by how he’s pulled this out the bag and how strong he’s been?"
Tess said: "Yeah, I mean I know how much it means to him to get through this. And I know that you will Vern. But I also, you know, I keep finding myself thinking is this physically possible, has anyone ever done something like four and a half marathons in four days...?You know, and then I think no come on he’s got this because I know that you’re mentally strong.
"But I know you haven’t slept much, and I know your feet hurt and your knees are hurting so yeah I am… I’m just routing for you. And every time the support that you have has just been so incredible and every time someone says Vernon you’ve got this or they leave you a message, you know, it really… it’s a real boost isn’t it? I know that that’s really helping you and that’s keeping you going all that support."
When Sara suggested the couple's daughters Phoebe and Amber 'must be so proud of their dad', Tess replied: "Honestly we are so so proud of you at home Vern. I meant it’s all we talk about honestly, it’s all we take about. And it’s hard to impress teenagers but you’ve done it yeah safe to say."
Tess later admitted: "I've been crying my eyes out. The messages you’ve had from Barbara and then..." Vernon interjected: "Oh don’t get me started," as Tess continued: "... I know how much her letter meant to you, and that you’ve kept it... I was just in bits you know, so I don’t know how your coping.
But, and I know today is the hardest day and I know that you have got this and you’re going through it and I just want to send all my love in the world because it’s major it’s epic and you’re doing so brilliantly well. And today I know it’s the toughest because it’s the highest part and you’ve got another what 16 miles to go or something like that..."
Sara then rounded off by asking: "Has the house been quieter and tidier at home, Tess?" to which the Stockport-born presenter replied: "Absolutely, it has yeah. No wet towels on the floor at all! But yeah, we miss him! We can’t wait to have you back Vernon, and keep going."
