Vernon Kay Reveals BBC Legend Brutally Snubbed Him Over Stint on ITV Show
BBC Radio 2 presenter Vernon Kay has revealed he was snubbed by a veteran BBC legend following his appearance on a popular ITV reality television programme. The 51-year-old broadcaster, who now hosts the prestigious mid-morning slot on Radio 2, opened up about the awkward encounter during a recent broadcast.
I'm A Celebrity Appearance and Aftermath
Vernon Kay participated in the twentieth series of I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! back in 2020, a season that was notably filmed at Gwrych Castle in Wales due to coronavirus pandemic restrictions. He ultimately finished the competition in third place, behind eventual winner Giovanna Fletcher and fellow radio presenter Jordan North.
Shortly after his jungle adventure concluded, Vernon began working with the BBC, initially covering for Rylan Clark's Saturday show. He subsequently stood in for Steve Wright's afternoon programme before securing his current permanent role following Ken Bruce's departure in 2023.
The Awkward Studio Encounter with Tony Blackburn
It was during his early days covering for Rylan that Vernon encountered broadcasting icon Tony Blackburn within the BBC studios. While Vernon spoke highly of the 82-year-old DJ, he recounted how Blackburn delivered a surprising confession about his voting preferences during the 2020 series.
"I remember when I first joined Radio 2 on a regular basis and Tony was in, I think I was covering for Rylan at the time, and Tony was knocking about," Vernon told his Radio 2 listeners, mimicking Blackburn's greeting. "'Hey Vernon, hi, yeah great, saw you on I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of here!'"
Vernon continued: "I went, 'Yeah, I enjoyed it, you enjoyed it too?' 'Yeah, I shouldn't mention it, but I won. I thought you were great but I didn't vote for you.' Like, cheers Tony. Thanks pal. 'Yeah, I voted for the other guy.' Thanks mate, what a legend Tony Blackburn."
Respect for Broadcasting Greats
Despite the humorous snub, Vernon went on to describe Tony Blackburn as "one of the greats" of British broadcasting. He elaborated on the value of learning from industry veterans who have paved the way for today's presenters.
"With Tony you can just sit and it's like when you sit with the greats, when you sit with Bob Harris, when you sit with Gary [Davies], and Mark [Radcliffe], you just sit and take it in," Vernon explained. "They've done it, they've walked the path, they've got a wealth of experience. Especially Tony, he would put records on a record player back in the day and talk at the same time. I can barely use a pen and talk at the same time."
Vernon highlighted how Blackburn had to master the technical skill of "flip flopping" with turntables during his early radio days, a far cry from today's digital broadcasting environment.
Tony Blackburn's Illustrious Career
Tony Blackburn launched his remarkable career in pirate radio during the 1960s, broadcasting on both Radio Caroline and Radio London before making history as the first DJ heard on BBC Radio 1 when it launched on 30 September 1967. His career has since spanned television presenting and even singing, cementing his status as a true broadcasting legend.
Blackburn is scheduled to appear on Radio 2 with Scott Mills, while Vernon Kay continues to build his own legacy at the station. In a separate anecdote, Vernon recently shared how he sparked concern from his wife, Strictly Come Dancing presenter Tess Daly, after visiting a DIY store in casual attire, only to be recognised by a Radio 2 listener who called out "See you on Monday morning, Vern!" – a moment that reminded him of the station's vast and loyal audience.
