Vernon Kay has become a frontrunner to replace Scott Mills on the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show, according to Daily Express - Showbiz citing betting odds of 3/1. The development follows Mills' sacking from the station after an allegation of personal conduct, as confirmed by a BBC statement. Kay, who launched his broadcasting career over 25 years ago on T4, joined BBC Radio 1 in 2004 and left in 2012 to spend more time with family. He returned to BBC Radio 2 in 2021 covering for Rylan Clark and took over the mid-morning slot in 2023 from Ken Bruce. According to Daily Express - Showbiz, Kay described his continued employment as a relief, noting the uncertainty surrounding recent changes.
Kay has faced a series of health issues that have affected his work and personal life. He suffered a back injury while moving furniture, which forced him to delay a golf game with colleague Gary Davies. In another incident, he injured his back and spine after jumping down two steps at the BBC canteen, admitting he 'can't do it anymore' according to Daily Mirror - Main. Kay also hurt his back while doing electrical work on outdoor lights, kneeling on damp soil, leaving his wife Tess Daly confused by his actions. Additionally, he has Morton's neuroma, a painful nerve condition in his foot, and received a free foot examination from a foot specialist named Nick at a motorway service station. Despite these setbacks, Kay completed an ultra marathon of 116 miles from Leicester to Bolton over four days for Children in Need in 2023, and became emotional discussing the challenge with Patrick McGuinness and Sara Cox.
I'm still employed, which is a relief.
Kay's on-air mishaps have provided humorous moments for listeners. He has been banned from discussing his Saturday morning bacon sandwich on air by co-star Janine Maya-Smith, and received an angry message from a listener after discussing hot cross buns with different flavors. His stomach gurgled live on The One Show, causing him and Alex Jones to laugh during a serious segment. According to Daily Mirror - 3am Showbiz, Janine Maya-Smith remarked that Kay stands exactly like his father. Kay joked that he would get fired if he commented on a listener's story about a driving test failure in 1983, as reported by Daily Mirror - 3am Showbiz. Colleague Gary Davies apologized to Tess Daly after Kay admitted to not finishing lawn mowing due to a bad back, according to Daily Express - Showbiz.
Jeremy Vine has made several appearances on Kay's show, sharing anecdotes and sparking discussions. Vine revealed he used his remote to turn off a neighbor's loud TV from his hotel window. According to Daily Express - Showbiz, Kay described Vine as someone who turns people's televisions off from a distance. Vine also discussed government guidance on screen time for children, comparing children using smartphones to smoking. According to Daily Mirror - 3am Showbiz, Vine described some gym-goers as building muscles by scrolling on their phones, which made Kay laugh. Vine mentioned Scott Mills' sacking on Kay's show, and Kay remained silent, as reported by Daily Express - Showbiz.
You stand exactly like your dad.
Kay has shared personal reflections and glimpses into his private life. He shared topless holiday photos on Instagram wearing swim shorts designed by his wife Tess Daly. According to Daily Express - Showbiz, Kay described having thought about how many Christmases he has left with his parents, reflecting on mortality and family.
I'd get fired if I said anything.
I will now describe Jeremy Vine as someone who turns people's televisions off from a distance.
I'm sorry, Tess, for not finishing the lawn mowing.
I've thought about how many Christmases I have left with my parents.
Some gym-goers build muscles by scrolling on their phones.
It's killing me.
I can't do it anymore.