"It had the potential to turn her and Vernon into TV’s next golden couple. But Vernon didn’t want to go down that route – so the situation has caused friction," they told Closer magazine.
"Tess really liked the idea of combining their strengths and stepping into something big as a couple. She thought it could be a new chapter...[This has] caused tension, which they’ve had to work through."
On Friday, May 8, Tess took to Instagram to confirm their marriage was over after 22 years.
"After much consideration, and with a deep sense of care and respect for one another, we have made the decision to separate amicably," she wrote.
"This has not been an easy choice, but it comes from a place of mutual understanding and a shared desire for what is best for both of us. We remain great friends and, most importantly, fully committed to our roles as loving and supportive parents, which will always be our priority. There are no other parties involved in this decision. We will not be making any further public comments."
The couple met in 2001 while working on Top of the Pops and arranged a first date at Zilli Fish on Brewer Street in the heart of Soho. Their relationship blossomed behind the scenes, with Vernon popping the question on Christmas Day 2002 at Tess' parents' home. In 2003, the 57-year-old presenter and the BBC Radio 2 DJ, 51, walked down the aisle together in Vernon's hometown at St Mary's Catholic Church in Horwich, near Bolton.
