BBC Radio 2 presenter Vernon Kay has exciting career news to share after taking time off to support his wife Tess Daly during her special MBE ceremony. The 51-year-old broadcaster has landed a brand new quiz show on BBC Two, marking another significant milestone in his broadcasting career.
A Special Day for the Daly-Kay Family
Vernon Kay deliberately skipped his popular Radio 2 show to be "front and centre" when his wife of over two decades received her MBE honour. Tess Daly, 56, was recognised for her outstanding services to broadcasting and charity work in a ceremony that held deep emotional significance for the couple.
The Strictly Come Dancing presenter paid a touching tribute to her late father Vivian during the ceremony, dedicating the accolade to his memory. Vivian passed away in 2003, just 18 days after Tess married Vernon, making the MBE recognition particularly poignant for the television personality.
New BBC Quiz Show Announcement
Fresh from celebrating his wife's achievement, Vernon has secured a compelling new role hosting 'Do You Know Your Place?' on BBC Two. The commission will see the father-of-two front 20 episodes for the broadcaster's daytime schedule, testing celebrities' knowledge of the United Kingdom in an innovative format.
The show features an unusual twist with Paul Gorton from The Traitors series one acting as an "unreliable" tour guide, putting three celebrities' geographical knowledge to the test. This fresh approach to quiz programming promises to deliver both entertainment and competitive spirit.
Speaking enthusiastically about his new project, Vernon said: "I'm absolutely thrilled to be fronting Do You Know Your Place? It's a cracking new quiz that's all about the people and places we know best. It's got great banter, brilliant guests, and that classic British competitive streak. I can't wait for everyone to see it on BBC Two."
Career Highlights and Recent Developments
The new show announcement comes during a period of significant change for both Vernon and Tess professionally. Just weeks earlier, Tess revealed she was stepping down from Strictly Come Dancing alongside co-host Claudia Winkleman, honouring a pact the pair had made to always leave the ballroom together.
Despite his extensive broadcasting experience spanning two decades, Vernon found himself making headlines for different reasons recently when he accidentally swore live on air during an emotional segment about BBC Children In Need. The presenter immediately apologised for his slip-up, explaining that a story about a 12-year-old boy whose twin had been diagnosed with terminal cancer had deeply affected him.
Vernon's career continues to flourish, with the broadcaster receiving this year's Variety Club Silver Heart Award 2025 for Outstanding Contribution to Radio last month. His radio journey includes presenting for Radio 1 from 2004 until 2012, a stint at commercial station Radio X from 2015-2017, and his current high-profile role on Radio 2 where he took over Ken Bruce's coveted slot in 2023.
The BBC has yet to announce an exact transmission date for 'Do You Know Your Place?', but the show represents another significant achievement in Vernon Kay's diverse broadcasting portfolio, demonstrating his continued popularity and versatility as a presenter.
