Vernon Kay has defended his BBC Radio 2 colleague Jeremy Vine after he faced backlash for using the term 'OAP' on air. The controversy arose during a discussion about a retired British couple who encountered a Russian warship in the English Channel.
Jeremy Vine appeared on Vernon Kay's show on June 18 to preview news topics, including the incident involving Jane and Alan Kelvey. He noted that some reports described the couple as 'OAPs', which had offended listeners. Vernon queried whether 'Old-Age Pensioners' was offensive, and Jeremy confirmed that people had complained about its use.
Vernon laughed at the revelation, but defended his co-star, saying: 'You only know when you say it. You didn't mean any offence. You've been educated.' Jeremy insisted he meant no harm, explaining that the term was used in a newspaper headline he quoted.
This is not the first time Jeremy Vine has sparked controversy. In 2022, he suggested on his Channel Five show that Russian soldiers 'deserve to die' for joining the invasion of Ukraine, prompting criticism from viewers who called him 'insensitive' and 'callous'.
