Vernon Kay recently shared an interesting encounter with seasoned BBC presenter Tony Blackburn during his appearance on a popular ITV show, “I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!” in 2020. Despite finishing third on the show, behind Jordan North and Giovanna Fletcher, Vernon’s journey led him to a new opportunity at the BBC.
Joining BBC as a stand-in for Rylan Clark’s show, Vernon’s career took a significant turn when he filled in for Steve Wright and eventually landed the mid-morning slot following Ken Bruce’s departure in 2023. During his time covering for Rylan, Vernon crossed paths with veteran DJ Tony Blackburn in the BBC studios, where Tony amusingly revealed that he hadn’t voted for Vernon on the reality show.
Describing Tony as “one of the greats,” Vernon praised the veteran presenter’s experience and talent, highlighting Tony’s remarkable career journey from pirate radio to becoming the first DJ on Radio 1 in 1967. Tony’s illustrious career also extended to television and singing.
Reflecting on his encounter with Tony at the BBC, Vernon shared a light-hearted moment where he ran into a couple at a DIY store while dressed in a casual outfit that amused his wife, Tess Daly. Despite the humorous incident, Vernon acknowledged the broad reach of his Radio 2 audience, as evidenced by a casual greeting he received while shopping.
As Tony Blackburn gears up for an appearance on Radio 2 with Scott Mills, Vernon continues to engage his audience with his radio presence, recently causing a stir with his DIY store escapade that left Tess Daly questioning his fashion choices.