BBC Radio 2 presenter Vernon Kay has shared some emotional family news that will see him temporarily absent from his radio show. The 52-year-old DJ opened up about a significant family milestone before revealing he is stepping away from his broadcasting duties.
Emotional Family Update
Vernon informed his listeners that he will be absent from the station on Friday, June 19, after sharing exciting news regarding his youngest daughter, 17-year-old Amber. Amber is set to head to university in September 2027, and Vernon is taking the day off to accompany her to university open days.
The presenter kicked off the segment by asking listeners about their weekend plans before running through a list of upcoming events, including the Isle of Wight Festival.
Vernon's Announcement
Vernon said: "I'm not in tomorrow. I'm having Friday off. Because I'm going to university open days. I think the time is right for me to step away from broadcasting and go back into further education. No, I'm joking. I'm taking our youngest to open days around universities and I'm really looking forward to it. It's an exciting time in life, and also I get to hold her hand. Do you know what I mean? Not necessarily on the campuses but walking around whatever town we're going to. So sweet."
Recent Personal Turmoil
The update comes after a turbulent period in Vernon's personal life. Last month, it was confirmed that he and wife Tess Daly, with whom he shares two daughters, were separating after nearly 23 years of marriage. The couple announced their amicable separation with a joint statement in May.
Vernon and Tess also share their eldest daughter Phoebe, who is 21. The family resides in a six-bedroom property in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, and it remains unclear whether either Tess or Vernon intend to relocate.
Lighthearted Radio Moment
In a separate incident, Vernon was reprimanded by a Radio 2 colleague after he made a remark about his domestic life. The 52-year-old jested that he had made a "big mistake" for failing to notice his producer Janine Maya-Smith's new hairstyle. "Not one of you made the effort to say how nice it looks," his colleague said on air after branding Vernon and the team "naughty boys." In a bid to get back into her good books, Vernon told Janine: "You always look fabulous."
The presenter confessed that he and his male co-stars "capitulated" after she criticised them for neglecting to remark on her fresh appearance. Vernon then acknowledged his mistake: "I should've known, I live in a house full of ladies, do you know what I mean? I should've known. I apologise Janice, it was a rookie error, it was a big mistake Janice-Janine, you look fabulous, my love," before commending her for keeping the team "together."
