Vernon Kay has spoken out after one of his Instagram followers suggested that he and Tess Daly were living “separate lives”.

Earlier this week, Vernon uploaded a photo of the Strictly Come Dancing host and one of their daughters onto Instagram, with the caption: “After being in the Middle East for a week, no better feeling than coming home.”

However, the photo – originally taken around the time of Tess’ birthday in April – prompted one of Vernon’s followers to speculate that things might not be right between the couple, as he hadn’t shared a recent snap of his wife for some time.

“Feels like you and @tessdaly are living separate lives,” wrote one of his followers. “I hope not. Love you guys.”

Vernon was quick to set the record straight, though, insisting that he and Tess simply prefer to keep their family life private.

“Pictures of our family life are all labelled nicely on an iPad or in Apple photo books for us to share, as a family,” he responded.“No need to invite the world into our home life, some do, but it’s not for us.”

Tess was also among those to comment on the photo, writing: “My birthday trip. Special memories.”

The couple celebrated their 16th wedding anniversary in September, and have two daughters, born in 2004 and 2009.

Last year, Tess told You magazine: “In our own minds and in our own lives we’re just two ordinary people getting on with raising a family and enjoying life.

“You don’t think of yourself as a celebrity, if you do it will be your downfall.”

Tess and Vernon’s marriage briefly hit rocky times in 2010 when he confessed 
to having sent explicit text messages to glamour model Rhian Sugden.

She later described their relationship was a “work in progress”, telling The Times: “All marriages 
have their moments. Vernon and I are just people at the end of the day.”