BBC Radio 2 host Vernon Kay has clarified the meaning behind his favourite catchphrase after using it during an on-air debate with co-star Jeremy Vine. The discussion centred on Britain's forthcoming new theme park, the Universal United Kingdom Resort, due to launch in 2031.
Theme Park Debate Sparks Spat
The resort, one of the largest investments in UK tourism, is expected to create thousands of jobs and attract millions of visitors. During the broadcast, Jeremy questioned whether locals near the proposed Bedfordshire location had the right to be 'nimbies' about the development. The term 'nimby' stands for 'not in my back yard' and describes residents who oppose nearby projects.
Vernon took exception to the expression, stating: 'I don't like the phrase nimby, I'll be honest with you, because if you're not going to stand up for your own castle, which you've invested in and that's your life, four walls, that's your base, who else is going to stick up for it?' He added: 'These people who are moving into the area aren't from that area. They don't know the impact it's going to have in the long term, and the people who live there, you've got to defend your ground.'
Jeremy's Response
As Jeremy attempted to steer the discussion elsewhere, Vernon pressed on. Jeremy responded: 'Well, maybe nobody should,' leading Vernon to jest: 'There you go, shut your face.' Later, Vernon explained his fondness for the phrase, acknowledging that some might find it offensive.
'I think mine is going to be my favourite catchphrase which I learned from my mate Shane Richie in the jungle,' he revealed after reading listener messages. 'Shut your face, it's just a classic, but I can't deliver it in the way Shane Richie delivers it. When I say it to some people they find it offensive, but it's not, it's affectionate.'
The 52-year-old quipped that the phrase takes on different connotations depending on whether he's addressing Jeremy or his other co-host, Janine. 'I'm joking,' he clarified. 'You know how much I say it, it's really funny.'
Previous On-Air Spats
This isn't the first time Vernon and Jeremy have engaged in a light-hearted on-air disagreement. Previously, they argued over Ryanair chief Michael O'Leary's idea to prohibit early-morning drinking at airports. While Vernon supported the proposal, Jeremy opposed it.
Vernon said: 'If people can't drink responsibly, then remove the reason why they can't drink responsibly and just have normal drinking hours in an airport. Why is an airport different to anywhere else? Why can you get a pint at half four in the morning in an airport but not in a pub?'
Jeremy hit back: 'Maybe the airport's got it right, maybe everything should be open all the time, but why would you punish the person who can drink two pints of lager without shouting, Are you looking at my bird? Why is that person getting punished?'
Vernon shot back: 'Because you're on an aeroplane. I don't want some clown affecting the flight and you're going to end up in Italy somewhere because the clown's got to get off.' Expanding on his argument, he added: 'I'm not being a Derek downer... it sounds like I am, but when you've got families on planes, kids don't need to witness that kind of behaviour.'
