BBC Radio 2 presenter Vernon Kay found himself in an awkward situation live on air after inadvertently disclosing his personal radio listening habits. While discussing his weekend activities, Kay mentioned spending time gardening with BBC Radio 5 Live playing in the background.
Kay's On-Air Admission
Explaining how he had spent much of the previous weekend pottering around in the garden, Vernon said: "I planted some stuff, I mowed again. I did lots of stuff, with 5 Live on in the background." He went on to praise the 5 Live team, singling out Match of the Day presenter Mark Chapman as a particular favourite: "I like Mark Chapman. Great guy, great broadcaster… tremendous broadcaster."
He added: "I always put 5 Live on Saturday afternoon," before hastily clarifying that he "gets his fill" of BBC Radio 2 during the week. Joking nervously, he said: "For legal reasons, I've got to say that … I like this job here!"
Struggling to Backtrack
Sheepishly admitting that he hadn't thought through his comments, Vernon added: "I was struggling, then. I think I drove myself into a cul-de-sac. Do you know what I mean? How do I get out of this?"
This is not the first time the Bolton-born broadcaster has landed himself in hot water with careless remarks. On a previous occasion, he was forced to play out a complaint from a disgruntled listener named Dave from Oldham, who had been put off his breakfast sandwich by Vernon's on-air banter.
Listener Complaint
"I was eating a sausage and egg butty," the incensed listener complained, "and you mentioned popping blackheads." He claimed he had been so disgusted by Vernon's graphic description that he had to throw half of his sandwich away. "Come on Vern," he said, as the presenter chortled away, "you're better than this. You should know people are eating their breakfast."
Undeterred by Dave's complaint, Vernon returned to the topic of blackheads and urged listeners to buy a magnifying mirror before saying: "It's like Pringles. Once you start popping, you're not going to stop." He later conceded that "Dave from Oldham might have a point" after newsreader Ellie Brennan brought up the subject of US dermatologist Sandra Lee's Dr. Pimple Popper videos, which he finds hard to watch.
Another Awkward Moment
On another occasion, Vernon joked that he was about to get "the sack" after paying compliments to Radio 2 in the Park co-host Michelle Visage, who is friends with his wife, former Strictly Come Dancing presenter Tess Daly. The pair had been broadcasting live last summer from Chelmsford's Hylands Park for Radio 2's popular annual event. Michelle had been commenting on the sweltering temperatures, and Vernon playfully responded: "But wherever you are is always hot," before instructing her to jot down his compliment and post it to herself. "Put it in an envelope and send it back home," he suggested. "When you go home, you can open that envelope. And you know what it'll say? You're hot." Recognising that his cheeky remarks might have crossed a line, Vernon sheepishly admitted: "I just got fired," sparking laughter from Michelle.
