Vernon Kay has confessed it is "a relief" after noticing a significant shift in how the public approaches him, years after former Family Fortunes host Les Dennis warned him the iconic buzzer sound would follow him for life. The BBC Radio 2 presenter, 52, made the revelation while discussing his station quiz segment Ten to the Top, which has become a popular feature of his mid-morning programme.
Public Shift from Buzzer to Quiz
Speaking on air, Vernon revealed that listeners are now far more inclined to chat about the quiz rather than greet him with the Family Fortunes buzzer sound linked to his stint hosting the programme. He said: "It's now become the replacement for [imitates Family Fortunes buzzer] when I walk around the supermarket, which is a relief. It's taken a while, and Les Dennis warned me, he did warn me."
He added: "When I first got the Family Fortunes gig, he told me that it will follow you around for the rest of your life. But now, instead of [imitates Family Fortunes buzzer] I get 'Hey Vern, I play 10 to the top. Got the year question right.' 'Oh, well done. When did you do that?'"
Kay continued: "And then people always say, 'I should give it a go.' Yes, you should. You're not going to lose. You either get a coffee mug, or you win a smart speaker. You don't leave empty handed."
Vernon's Family Fortunes Legacy
Vernon took over hosting duties for Family Fortunes in 2006, succeeding Les Dennis, who had helmed the long-running ITV game show for over a decade. The radio host's remarks follow his revelation a day earlier that he had effectively been "banned" from discussing another popular subject on BBC Radio 2, according to the Express.
Bacon Sandwich Ban
During Monday's broadcast, Vernon shared a message from listeners planning a trip to the Norfolk coastline before jokingly mentioning that his vivid descriptions of bacon sandwiches had sparked complaints from colleague Janine. He told his audience: "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."
He elaborated: "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 palate."
Battling a Sore Throat
The DJ also apologised for sounding under the weather throughout the programme and confessed he was battling a sore throat. He explained: "I'm a bit throaty today. I do apologize. I don't know what it is, but I woke up on Friday morning with a really sore throat."
He added: "So, I'm not gonna lie because we're all friends on mid-morning on BBC Radio 2. It might be more music less chat today. A bit throaty, we're on the honey and lemon." Undeterred by his ailment, Vernon continued with the programme while bantering with listeners about topics ranging from quiz questions to bacon sandwiches.
