TV expert Sarah-Louise Robertson on why the married couple have the power to save This Morning
Stories about Holly Willoughby being dined and wooed by the BBC have led to mounting speculation that she is being lined up to take Tess Daly’s Strictly Come Dancing job.
But why these fears for Tess’ TV future? And should it not be the other way around?
Granted, Holly might prove a fresh face for attracting younger viewers and, of course, she would also bring a legion of new fans with her from her years of co-hosting Dancing on Ice.
Despite all that, it should be Holly looking over her shoulder – not Tess. If Holly is the golden egg of TV, then Tess is the golden goose – and we know how that idiom goes.
Tess looks fantastic – but, more importantly, she has more than paid her light-entertainment TV dues by carrying the BBC’s flagship Saturdaynight show since its inception,.
With her husband, Vernon Kay, she can provide ITV with the perfect on-screen replacement after Phillip Schofield left the famous sofa in disgrace – a real-life husband-and-wife team full of natural chemistry, which is an established formula that has had historical success.
Think of the unwavering popularity of married TV pairings – undisputed King and Queen of This Morning, Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan, and Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford.
Unlike Holly and Phil’s supposed ‘TV marriage’, this relationship doesn’t have to be faked for the cameras. The couple have hit a few speed bumps and had their moments play out in public – Vernon’s sexting affair in 2010 with glamour model Rhian Sugden – but they have weathered the storm and, as parents to daughters Phoebe, 18, and Amber, 14, are one of the most-loved couples on British TV.
With a strong commercial look, Tess looks ITV, but underneath the glamour and fancy frocks, she is no fool and a seasoned pro. She can hold her own, having learned from the best – Brucey.
It takes a lot of energy and skill to work a live show, stay calm in a crisis and make it look smooth and professional.
She’s savvy, plain speaking, and a trusted, safe pair of hands.
Vernon is also a seasoned pro. He is incredibly popular on BBC Radio 2, already in the ITV fold, having presented game shows, and a massive hit with regular This Morning viewers, as he’s hosted the show multiple times. His name was put forward by viewers keen to see him take Phil’s place on the sofa.
Perfect partners
With puppy-dog exuberance, warmth and humour, Vernon’s larger-than-life character makes him the perfect on-scr
