BBC Radio 2 presenter Vernon Kay has announced a major new television role, confirming he will front a brand new celebrity quiz show for the broadcaster in 2026.
A Cracking New Quiz for BBC Two
The popular TV and radio host expressed his excitement about the project, titled Do You Know Your Place?. Vernon stated he is "absolutely thrilled" to be leading the programme, which he described as a "cracking new quiz that's all about the people and places we know best."
Produced by Stellify Media in Northern Ireland, the show's format will see Kay testing three celebrity contestants on their knowledge of the United Kingdom. Assisting him - or potentially misleading the players - will be Paul Gorton, known to audiences from the hit show The Traitors, who takes on the role of Vernon's 'unreliable' tour guide.
How The Show Will Work
In each episode, Paul Gorton will venture out to a different town or city across the UK, posing questions to the celebrities back in the studio. The challenge for the famous contestants will be to distinguish truth from falsehood in his reports.
The programme will also feature additional studio-based games hosted by Vernon Kay. The celebrity who provides the highest number of correct answers will be declared the episode's winner, with an overall champion crowned at the end of the week.
Vernon added: "It's got great banter, brilliant guests, and that classic British competitive streak. I can't wait for everyone to see it on BBC Two."
Ronan Keating's Irish Travelogue
In a separate commission, the BBC has also announced a new BBC Daytime production with BBC Northern Ireland featuring Ronan Keating. The Boyzone star will take viewers on a journey around the Wild Atlantic Coast of Ireland in a new travelogue titled Ronan Keating's Wild Atlantic.
The BBC has described the location as "one of the most magical, beautiful and healing places on earth." Keating shared his personal connection to the project, saying: "It's felt really special making this series, rediscovering magical places that have meant so much to me and my family."
"I was 16 when I left Ireland, and there was so much of the west coast I hadn't seen. Now, I'm coming home, and I can't wait for viewers to share all the laughter and tears along the way," the singer and TV personality added.
BBC Executive Excitement
Rob Unsworth, BBC's Head of Daytime and Early Peak Commissioning, expressed his enthusiasm for both new projects. He stated: "We can't wait to share a brand new quiz, Do You Know Your Place? - in which Vernon Kay will see if famous faces can unpick which of the facts Paul from The Traitors tells them about our towns and cities are actually true."
Regarding Ronan Keating's series, Unsworth added: "[And] for an unforgettable, stunning treat, join us for Ronan Keating's Wild Atlantic, as the much-loved singer takes us on a deeply personal journey along the west coast of Ireland."
The announcement comes as Vernon Kay prepares for his upcoming appearance on this year's Children In Need television appeal, scheduled for Friday, November 14.
