Vernon Kay will present his first mid-morning weekday show on BBC Radio 2 on Monday, May 15, the corporation has confirmed. The 49-year-old TV presenter replaces Ken Bruce, who hosted the programme for 31 years before departing for Greatest Hits Radio.
Kay's show promises 'big tunes, big names and big laughs', along with new surprises, according to the BBC. It will feature the daily music quiz Ten To The Top, Tracks Of My Years, the Record and Album Of The Week, and performances from the Radio 2 Piano Room.
Gary Davies has been temporarily hosting the slot since Bruce's departure, receiving mixed reviews. The new quiz Ten To The Top faced controversy last month when contestant Sheila achieved a perfect score, leading to accusations of cheating, though the BBC insists she won fairly.
Kay will welcome Def Leppard on May 18 and Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds on June 1 for Piano Room sessions. 'To be hosting the new Radio 2 mid-morning show is a total privilege,' Kay said. 'It's going to be an unforgettable start to what promises to be an amazing journey.'
Kay, married to Strictly Come Dancing presenter Tess Daly, previously hosted shows on BBC Radio 1 and Radio X. He described Bruce as 'an absolute legend of broadcasting' and said taking over the slot was 'a big deep breath'.
