Vernon Kay has revealed how his time alongside Shane Richie convinced him that growing up doesn't necessarily mean leaving your childish side behind.
The presenter has reflected on the qualities that made his former I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! campmate such good company, admitting that there are some things adults should never become too mature for.
A chance encounter and a card's message
Vernon explained that a chance encounter during his morning commute recently summed up his attitude perfectly. He said: "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," reports the Mirror.
For Vernon, keeping a sense of humour is more important than behaving your 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."
When adulthood takes over
He then joked that there is a particular point in life when people can tell they are becoming too sensible – when they start getting excited about household fixtures. "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."
Rather than surrendering to what he described as the seriousness of adulthood, Vernon believes people should make an effort to retain their sillier side. And he credits Richie with showing him just how effective that can be.
Lessons from the castle
He said: "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." Vernon went on to explain what he took away from his time in the ITV reality show. 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 the description, it was clear Vernon was speaking about Richie with affection rather than criticism. "But he's the funniest child you could ever wish to spend. I think a minute is bearable. Just funny."
Richie's sense of humour has remained a memorable part of Vernon's experience on the show, where the pair spent time together in the famous castle.
Vernon's comments come as Richie, whose real name is Shane Roche, prepares to appear in court next month after being charged with drink-driving. The 62-year-old, who is best known for playing Alfie Moon in EastEnders, was arrested in Harlow after police received reports of a suspected drink-driver shortly before 11.20pm on July 29. Essex Police subsequently authorised a drink-driving charge against Roche, of Tadworth, Surrey. He is due to appear at Colchester Magistrates' Court on September 9. Richie's representative has been approached for comment.
