Strictly Come Dancing fans spotted a recognisable face among the audience during the BBC show on Saturday night, with one left wondering if it was “bring your husband to work day”.

Fans of the dance series saw Tess Daly’s husband Vernon Kay, 50, sitting in the first row at Elstree Film and Television Studios in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, last night. A screenshot shared on X, formerly called Twitter, shows the BBC Radio 2 presenter, dressed in an all-white outfit paired with a light brown jacket, smiling as he looks at his wife Tess.

The Strictly presenter, 55, wore an elegant sparkly blue dress as she introduced the celebrities taking to the dance floor. Sharing an image that shows Vernon among members of the public, a person wrote on X: “Bring ur husband to work day I assume.”

Fans spotted Tess Daly’s husband Vernon Kay in the audience last night ( 
Image:
BBC)
Some people in the comment section said they had also spotted Vernon, with one writing: “Spotted him making faces as she talked.” Another commented: “He’s a proud husband.”

But some complained about Vernon being there, saying this contributes to members of the public not being able to get tickets to watch the show live. A person said: “I’ve never managed to get a ticket from series 1.” One more tweeted: “Glad he managed to get a ticket in the ballot.”

Two weeks ago, after the first Strictly live show, Tess was spotted with her eldest daughter as they headed home in a taxi. Tess, 55, looked in high spirits after receiving support from her daughter Phoebe, 19. The cherished TV star also has another daughter, Amber, born in 2004, whom she shares with her husband Vernon. The mum-of-two looked stunning in the red jumpsuit she wore for the show, while Phoebe looked chic in a white outfit.

On the show last night, Tess and co-presenter Claudia Winkleman addressed Nick Knowles’ sudden exit from the show. Telly favourite Nick, 62, was forced to pull out of the live show on Saturday after sustaining another injury. Nick and professional dancer partner Luba Mushtuk were due to perform the Charleston to Rain On The Roof from the film Paddington 2 for the Movie Week special.

Nick had already suffered a shoulder injury that left him in a sling, just days after the first live show. But it was reported on Friday that the DIY SOS star fell and injured his knee during a dress rehearsal, and is now using crutches to walk. During the live episode on Saturday night hosts Tess and Claudia were quick to speak out about Nick’s absence.

Tess said: “As you can see, Nick Knowles and his partner Luba are not here. In rehearsals yesterday, Nick sustained an injury and is not able to perform tonight.” Claudia then said: “As per rules of the competition, he will receive a bye into next week’s show. Nick we are sending you love and wishing you a speedy recovery.”