Vernon Kay, the familiar voice of BBC Radio 2's mid-morning show, celebrated his 52nd birthday on April 28 while broadcasting live, according to multiple reports. During the programme, he decided to share some personal health news with his audience, as reported by the Daily Express. Kay spoke openly about the recurring problems he has with his knees, a topic he has touched on before. He also addressed the state of his back, which has been a source of pain for him. Additionally, he admitted to experiencing lapses in memory, concern that he discussed in candid fashion.
Focusing on his back first, Kay delivered a positive bulletin, telling listeners that the pain was considerably less severe, according to the Daily Express. Specifically, he said the discomfort had fallen by 60 percent from what he experienced only a day earlier. Moving on, he revealed a newer health challenge: a diagnosis of Morton's neuroma. Kay explained that this nerve-related condition primarily affects the toes, causing discomfort. He related that he first detected the symptoms unexpectedly while plugging in his electric car, but he chose not to elaborate further.
There was a debate this morning... that it would be all about pretty much me and my ailments, my bad knees, my bad back, losing my memory, that kind of stuff.
As reported by the Daily Express, the station joined in the celebration via its official Instagram account. The birthday post included a photograph of Kay with a broad smile, proudly displaying a Colin the Caterpillar cake. The image was paired with the greeting, 'Join us in wishing Vernon Kay a very Happy Birthday!' Fans quickly responded to the post with an outpouring of birthday messages in the comments.
Another notable moment came when Kay inadvertently heaped praise on another BBC outlet, Radio 5 Live, during the show. He specifically commended the network's sports presenter, Mark Chapman, for his broadcasting skills. Catching himself, Kay then wryly added the phrase 'for legal reasons' to frame it as a jest, as detailed by the Daily Express. The offhand remark generated chuckles among the studio crew, underscoring the light-hearted atmosphere of the broadcast.
I woke up this morning and the pain in my back was at least 60 percent less than it was yesterday.
The programme also featured Kay's characteristic banter with Michelle Visage, his co-presenter, as recorded by the Daily Express. In one exchange, he told her she looked 'hot'. He then light-heartedly insisted that she write down the compliment.
The episode encapsulated Kay's ability to mix personal stories with playful humour, reinforcing his connection with the Radio 2 audience.
Do you know what? When we sit in meetings and we talk about the audience for BBC Radio 2 and we're told that it's huge and the demographic is massive and this, that and the other, you don't realise it until something like this morning happened. You mentioned my birthday, you did the mini mix for me which I really appreciate, some great tunes in there, and listeners to BBC Radio 2 who catch my train came and said hello and happy birthday - of which there were many.
So yesterday I was at the services, I was charging the electric car, and I was struggling a little bit with the
I planted some stuff, I mowed again. I did lots of stuff, with [BBC Radio] 5 Live on in the background.
I like Mark Chapman. Great guy, great broadcaster... tremendous broadcaster.
I always put 5 Live on Saturday afternoon
For legal reasons, I've got to say that ... I like this job here!
But wherever you is always hot
Put it in an envelope and send it back home. When you go home, you can open that envelope. And you know what it'll say? You're hot.
Join us in wishing Vernon Kay a very Happy Birthday!