Radio presenter Vernon Kay was forced to apologise on air after a listener complained about his graphic discussion of popping blackheads during breakfast time. The BBC Radio 2 host, who commands one of the UK's biggest radio audiences, received a call from 'Dave from Oldham' who said he had to throw away half his sausage and egg butty after Kay's comments.
Dave told Kay: 'You mentioned popping blackheads. I was eating a sausage and egg butty and had to throw half of it away. Come on Vern, you're better than this. You should know people are eating their breakfast.' Despite the complaint, Kay continued the topic, urging listeners to buy a magnifying mirror and comparing the activity to Pringles: 'Once you start popping, you're not going to stop.'
However, after newsreader Ellie Brennan brought up US dermatologist Dr Sandra Lee's 'Dr Pimple Popper' videos, Kay conceded that Dave might have a point, admitting he finds the clips hard to watch. 'I'm with Dave,' he said. 'I apologise.' He added that squeezing blackheads can be so satisfying it could 'almost be classified as a pastime'.
Most dermatologists advise against squeezing blackheads at home, warning it can cause more blackheads, inflammation, and permanent scarring. Dr Lee's YouTube channel and TV series show spot removal under hygienic conditions, but Kay said he cannot watch them.
Separately, reports suggest Kay's daughter Phoebe may be moving to the US. The 20-year-old shared an Instagram photo from a New York City bar with the caption 'Home for a while..' and updated her bio to read 'Heyyyy LDN/NYC'. She was present in the UK for the final episode of her mother Tess Daly's 21-year Strictly Come Dancing run in December.
