RADIO 2 DJ Vernon Kay is preparing to move out of the ­family home he shared with Tess Daly ­following their split earlier this year.

Friends said the 52-year-old had bought a property 15 minutes away to stay close to the former presenter and their two daughters.

Vernon Kay carrying bottled water and a shopping bag after leaving a supermarket.Vernon Kay is preparing to move out of the ­family home he shared with Tess Daly Credit: TillenDove Tess Daly smiling in a sparkly pink dress during a live show of Strictly Come Dancing.The Radio2 DJ wants to stay close to former Strictly presenter Tess and their two daughters Credit: PA

The house, which pals said cost close to £3million and boasts a pool and extensive grounds, is now being renovated by Vernon.

He and Tess, 57, — but said they remained close.

A source said: “They’ve been navigating the end of their marriage carefully and haven’t rushed into anything.

“Vernon has now bought a place close to the family home in .

“It means he can stay close to their girls, which is something important to both him and Tess.

“He’s having done and will move out when the house is ready.

“Tess is supporting him with the move.

“It’s going to be very strange for them after ­living together for over two decades, so they’re both treating the situation with care and respect.”

Tess Daly and Vernon Kay at the 2024 BAFTA Television Awards.Tess and Vernon announced the end of their 23-year­ marriage in May Credit: Getty Vernon Kay arriving for his Radio 2 show.Vernon’s pals say his new house cost close to £3million and boasts a pool and extensive grounds Credit: Dan Charity / Newsgroup Newspapers Ltd

In the weeks before they confirmed the end of their marriage, Phoebe, 21, and Amber, 16. Both shared snaps online from the sunny Caribbean getaway.

Insiders said Vernon and were continuing to plan on holidaying as a family.

A source added: “They might not be together now but with their daughters, they are still a family unit.

“Their girls mean the world to them and their feelings have been at the forefront of everything in their separation.

“They still love spending time together as a family. Being separated doesn’t change that.”

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They married in 2003, two years after first being introduced.