BBC Radio 2 presenter Vernon Kay has owned up to a major error on his show after accidentally using an offensive word live on air, later admitting he had no idea what it meant.
The 52-year-old broadcaster made the remark during his programme on October 27 while introducing travel reporter Ellie Brennan. He opened with: "So she's here, you've heard the dulcet tones of the lady with the travel."
Ellie responded: "Don't say that with a straight face."
Vernon then replied: "Well after what I said about the layby lady I have to be careful you see. Called you all sorts and I like this job I really love it. I don't want to be shown the door. Oh there you go."
What happened on the show
The incident Vernon referred to took place on October 20, when he introduced Ellie as "Lady of the Lanes" before brainstorming alternative options, including "Lady of the Layby".
Before that, Ellie hinted Vernon was stalling, saying: "Can you hear the cogs? The Queen of the Carriageway, yeah, the Heroine of the Highway."
A colleague then added: "The Duchess of the Dual Carriageway."
After the back-and-forth, Vernon revealed they had decided to drop "Lady of the Layby". But moments later, as Ellie began her traffic report, Vernon interjected with "The Harlot of the Hard-shoulder" before quickly realising the term was inappropriate for live radio.
Vernon's apology and reaction
Vernon wasted no time in searching the term online and promptly acknowledged his mistake, confessing he had got it completely wrong. He added: "I've just given it a Google. Yeah, it's not what I thought it meant. Yeah, education is key."
He continued: "You learn something every day. Wow, that's definitely not you. Accidental Partridge are having a field day right now. I know; now, I've just given it a Google, I'm like, 'Oh no, it's quite offensive'. Watch your facts, please."
Past nickname explanations
In the past, Vernon has also addressed why his co-hosts have certain nicknames. For example, he once explained why his colleague Janine Maya-Smith was called "Janice-Janine".
The reason, he said earlier this month, was due to a mix-up by a member of BBC personnel. Vernon explained: "You've got to remember the reason why we called Janine Janice is because Jeremy, who you've worked with for more than 25 years, actually forgot your name, so that's why you have the moniker Janice-Janine."
