From May, Vernon Kay will replace Ken Bruce on BBC Radio 2 (Picture: PA)
Vernon Kay became emotional while speaking to Zoe Ball on BBC Radio 2 on Monday.
The I’m A Celebrity star was discussing the exciting news that he’s set to replace Ken Bruce on BBC Radio 2 when the latter departs next month.
Sharing an insight into just how supportive team Radio 2 have been in the wake of the announcement, Vernon, 48, said to 52-year-old Zoe: ‘I’m getting emotional.’
After Zoe told doting dad Vernon: ‘You are so part of the family,’ he replied: ‘I am over the moon. I really am. One of the best things to happen in the last few days, is every single person on Radio 2 has messaged me.’
Vernon – who first joined the BBC in 2004 and started hosting on Radio 2 in 2021 – went on: ‘And sent me either a voicemail or email just saying how overjoyed they are – I’m getting quite emotional now – that I’ve joined the family.’
The star also shared an insight into just how big an influence Ken has had on his life, telling Zoe: ‘My dad’s a lorry driver and I said this when I joined Radio 2: we’ve always had Radio 2 on in the background.
Vernon became emotional while speaking to Zoe Ball on BBC Radio 2 on Monday (Picture: Anthony Harvey/Shutterstock)
Ken will step down later this week (Picture: Mike Lawn/Shutterstock)
‘Ken Bruce is mid-mornings. You don’t think of any other DJ. He’s made it his own and he’s an absolute legend of broadcasting.’
Bruce will present his final 9.30am to midday show on March 3, the BBC confirmed on Friday, while Kay will start on May 8 after Gary Davies covers in the meantime.
Vernon was chatting to his friend and colleague Zoe (Picture: Mark Thomas/REX/Shutterstock)
The DJ will usher in Radio 2’s new weekday pop quiz to replace Bruce’s popular PopMaster format as well as continuing his own radio show which he has fronted since 2018.
It follows a career which has seen Kay front various shows on Channel 4’s T4 as well as ITV programmes including All Star Family Fortunes, Just The Two Of Us, and Beat The Star.
Helen Thomas, head of Radio 2, said: ‘Radio 2 is home to some of the UK’s best-loved presenters, and I’m thrilled to welcome Vernon to mid-mornings on Radio 2.
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‘He’s a hugely talented, warm and witty host who has already proved himself to be a firm favourite with our listeners when he’s presented many and varied shows across the station. I can’t wait to hear his brilliant new show.’
Revealing the news to listeners moments after the BBC made the announcement, Scott Mills said: ‘I am thrilled! I’ve known Vern, obviously, for years – so have you! You’ve heard him loads on Radio 2 already and he is gonna be brilliant.’
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Vernon starts in May.
