Vernon Kay has continued his reign as the UK's most popular radio presenter, despite announcing his separation from wife Tess Daly after 23 years of marriage. The BBC revealed on Thursday that Kay's mid-morning weekday show on Radio 2 remains the most listened to on UK radio for the second consecutive year, attracting 6.6 million listeners each week.
Radio 2's Steady Performance
Figures show that BBC Radio 2 held steady as the UK's most listened to single radio station, with a weekly reach of 12.6 million listeners. Kay took over the mid-morning slot from long-time broadcaster Ken Bruce in 2023.
Speculation Over Scott Mills' Replacement
Attention has turned to who could replace Scott Mills on the Radio 2 breakfast show after his dismissal over personal conduct. Kay was the early bookies' favourite with odds of 6/4, according to William Hill. Other names touted include Rylan Clark, Clara Amfo, and Tony Blackburn.
Personal Announcement
While Kay enjoys professional success, he announced last week that his marriage to Tess Daly had ended. In a joint statement on May 8, the couple said they had made the decision to separate amicably. They wrote: 'After much consideration, and with a deep sense of care and respect for one another, we have made the decision to separate amicably. We remain great friends and, most importantly, fully committed to our roles as loving and supportive parents.'
A source close to the pair told the press that after releasing the statement, Kay and Daly 'took a moment to toast each other and their futures.' The source added: 'There has been no big fallout, more a gradual growing apart and wanting different things.'
Kay and Daly, estimated to be worth around £10 million, were last seen publicly together in February hosting an episode of The One Show. They are also food ambassadors for Marks and Spencer. The couple met while presenting Top Of The Pops@Play in 2001 and became engaged on Christmas Day the following year. They have been regarded as one of the strongest marriages in showbusiness, despite a 2010 incident where Kay was caught 'sexting' model Rhian Sugden. Daly was devastated but eventually forgave him. Sugden later spoke about the scandal in a Channel 4 documentary, saying: 'He just got away with it. It ruined everything for me.'
