It’s almost two decades since Tess Daly and Vernon Kay first clapped eyes on each other at a BBC Christmas party in 2001.
Their attraction was instant and what followed was a whirlwind courtship.
“It was all quite immediate, really, because we instantly had such a blast together,” Tess once told The Sun’s Fabulous Magazine of their connection.
“I couldn’t imagine having more fun with anyone else.
“It was pretty explosive, I tell you.”
Two years later, I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here star Vernon took Tess completely by surprise when he suddenly got down on one knee and proposed at her parents’ home in Stockport on Christmas Day.
“We haven’t set a date for the wedding yet. There are no plans – we are just really, really happy being engaged and carrying on as we were,” a delighted Vernon told the Bolton News at the time.
Tess added: “I was so shocked and surprised, but I am truly over the moon.
“It’s the best Christmas present I’ve ever had.”
Vernon is believed to have forked out up to £250,000 for her large emerald cut diamond engagement ring on a platinum band.
Deborah Papas, Gemologist at Prestige Pawnbrokers of Channel 4’s Posh Pawn, told Express.co.uk: “Tess Daly’s engagement ring is a beautiful single emerald-cut diamond set in a very simple setting of platinum to show off its elegance.
(Image: Shutterstock)
“It is believed to be between three and four carats, and of exceptional quality.
“I estimate the value to be in the region of £250,000.”
The happy couple went on to tie the knot on 12 September 2003.
But unlike many a showbiz couple who hire out grand stately homes with heli-pads, the humble pair exchanged vows at Vernon’s local church, St Mary’s, in his hometown of Horwish, Bolton.
Tess looked gorgeous in a strapless A-line wedding dress by Marina Adanou, while Vernon went for a white suit by Alexandre Savile Row, which he paired with a pink shirt and patterned tie.
Snubbing a posh limo or horse-drawn cart, after the nuptials Vernon instead drove them to their reception in a hired retro VW campervan.
The newlyweds and their guests then partied the night away at the nearby Rivington Hall Barn, which is also hired out as a high school prom venue.
Want all the latest gossip straight from the jungle? Head on over to Mirror Online’s dedicated I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here’s Facebook page here.
*I’m A Celebrity continues tonight at 9pm on ITV
Originally from https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/im-celeb-vernon-kay-tess-23043526