Vernon Kay has disclosed that he has been prohibited from discussing one of his favourite subjects on BBC Radio 2 after returning from a brief hiatus. The 52-year-old presenter was hosting his mid-morning show when he deviated from the script during a segment of the station's Cash Register competition. While reading a message from listeners heading to the Norfolk coast, the broadcaster admitted that his enthusiasm for bacon sandwiches had landed him in trouble.
Bacon Ban Confirmed On Air
Kay told listeners: "Second in Gordon and Debbie Benning, getting ready to go to Hunstanton for a lovely bacon baguette at the cafe on the cliff. You know how I feel about a bacon sandwich. Janine has banned me from talking about my Saturday morning bacon sandwich in a Nigella Lawson styling. She finds it quite creepy. How I talk about lashings and lashings of French butter. Slowly oozing into a thick slice of sourdough. Creating tantalizing and magical moments on the palette."
According to Kay, the producer's reaction to his vivid descriptions led to the informal ban. He did not specify whether the restriction was permanent or temporary. The light-hearted exchange came shortly after Kay returned from a day off to accompany his youngest daughter, Amber, on university open days.
Throat Issues and Family Time
Later in the programme, Kay apologised for sounding under the weather. He said: "I'm a bit throthy today. I do apologize. I don't know what it is, but I woke up on Friday morning with a really sore throat. So, I'm not gonna lie because we're all friends on mid-mornings on BBC Radio 2. It might be more music less chat today. A bit throaty, we're on the honey and lemon."
Earlier this month, the Radio 2 host had informed listeners he would take a Friday off to join Amber, 17, on university open days as she prepares to begin higher education in 2027. Speaking on air, Kay joked: "I'm not in tomorrow. I'm having Friday off. Because I'm going to university open days. I think the time is right for me to step away from broadcasting and go back into further education. No, I'm joking. I'm taking our youngest to open days around universities and I'm really looking forward to it. It's an exciting time in life, and also I get to hold her hand. Do you know what I mean? Not necessarily on the campuses but walking around whatever town we're going to. So sweet."
Kay shares Amber and eldest daughter Phoebe, 21, with Tess Daly. The family milestone occurs during a challenging period for the presenter. In May, he and Tess announced they had amicably separated after nearly 23 years of marriage. The former couple, long regarded as one of television's most enduring partnerships, confirmed the news in a joint statement. They continue to focus on co-parenting their daughters, with Amber now preparing for the next chapter of her life as university applications loom.
