Vernon Kay has shared the unusual lesson he took from spending time with Shane Richie, revealing that the EastEnders star has no intention of growing up. The presenter, who appeared alongside Richie on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!, recalled the actor's mischievous humour while explaining why people should hold on to their childish side.
A Card That Sums It Up
Vernon said a birthday card he spotted on his morning walk perfectly captured his philosophy. "I get off the train every morning and I walk past the same birthday card shop. There's a Burger King, and there's a bagel shop and outside the card shop today, there's a great card. It just jumped off the shelf at me into my retina and just said, 'Don't grow up. It's a trap.' I'm having that."
He argued that simple things can still make people laugh, regardless of age. "Windy pop noises. They're just funny. You can't avoid them. It doesn't matter who you are, what you are, who you think you are or who you think you should be. Just funny."
The Moment Adulthood Takes Hold
He then turned to the moment adulthood truly begins: when household improvements become exciting. "The moment you start flicking through a catalogue that has bath taps and shower heads in it and you get excited, that's when you know you're taking the bait," he joked. "You know, you're taking the bait. 'Oh, look at this. It's got a multifunctional shower head. We'll have that.' No, don't. Don't."
Instead, Vernon suggested embracing silliness, recalling his time with Richie in the jungle. "Just go into the kitchen, put the kettle on, and just [makes flatulence sound] and it'll just put a smile on your face. It's dead simple, Shane Richie all over."
He added: "That's what I learned in the castle when I did I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! Shane Richie is a child." Despite describing him as immature, Vernon was affectionate: "But he's the funniest child you could ever wish to spend. I think a minute is bearable. Just funny."
Richie's Court Appearance
Vernon's comments come as Richie, whose real name is Shane Roche, is due in court next month charged with drink-driving. The 62-year-old, known for playing Alfie Moon in EastEnders, was arrested in Harlow after police were called to reports of a suspected drink-driver shortly before 11.20pm on July 29. Essex Police confirmed a charge of drink-driving was authorised against Roche, of Tadworth, Surrey. He is due at Colchester Magistrates' Court on September 9.
