Vernon Kay has been back on hosting duties on This Morning this week. But on Friday (September 2) it was time for the Bolton-born TV star to wrap up his time on the ITV daytime show alongside Rochelle Humes.
The pair hosted the last show of the week and their last show together, for now, before Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield return to the helm of the popular programme on Monday (September 5). And for Vernon, it appears they may have saved the best guest until last.
The 48-year-old couldn't hide his excitement as WWE boss Triple H made an appearance live in the ITV studio to chat to him and Rochelle on the famous sofa ahead of WWE Clash At The Castle this weekend.
The hosts spoke to the WWE legend about the upcoming 'spectacle' , which is the first major stadium event from the American professional wrestling promotion in 30 years, as well as his retirement. Triple H, who has 14 world wrestling championships, 5 heavyweight records and a grand slam championship under his belt, gave up the sport in March.
He made the decision following a health scare. but reassured fans that while he has recovered from his "genetic issue with his heart," he won't be heading back in the ring. "First of all, how are you?" Rochelle, 33, asked their guest. "I’m great, I’m 100 percent. As good as new,” Triple H replied. “I had a bit of a health scare with my heart. I had a genetic issue with my heart. All behind me now. It’s all good."
Later, as the interview came to an end, Vernon couldn't help but have a bit of a fanboy moment. "I’ve got to say Triple H, thanks so much for coming on the show," before the WWE superstar delivered a surprise. "Before we sign off, I brought a gift for you guys," he teased.
He then signalled to a belt that had been displayed on the table in front of him ad he continued: "It was out here when we started but this is in our business, WWE Championship is the sign of ultimate success, that you have made it in the world. This one is customised with Clash of the Castle in Cardiff on there and I brought this as a gift for you to wear."
Rochelle jokingly pretended she would be the one to take it home, while Vernon was simply gobsmacked as he knew he was now the proud owner of the belt. "If you want fight over it later that’s totally up to you,’ Triple H joked as Rochelle said: "This is fully yours," as she handed it to a speechless Vernon.
The former T4 presenter held it up and said: "No way!" before adding: "I’m absolutely speechless." Following a break, Vernon told Rochelle his phone had been going mad with messages from friends jealous that he'd met Triple H. "Me friends are saying 'oh you've got to get that up on the wall,'" he said before referring to his Strictly Come Dancing host wife Tess Daly.
"As if Tess is going to let me put that in the front room," he conceded. "If it was my choice, of course it would be; it would be up above the fire place!" But Rochelle replied: "I think I'm with Tess on that one!"
But This Morning viewers couldn't help but make the same comment about the moment Triple H gave Vernon the special gift. @Poochface tweeted: "@thismorning Aahhh Vernon's face when Triple H gave him that belt. He was like a kid on Christmas Day being given his present personally by Father Christmas. #ThisMorning."
@whoareyou_64 echoed: "@vernonkay @thismorning Vernon literally looks like a 6 year old boy on Christmas Day." @Debbie29015977 wrote: "Vernon’s face, that big smile of a man in a kids body at that moment in time. Absolutely loved watching this today." @hazzaricks said: "Awesome stuff. Love Triple H interacting with Vernon Kay - wild to see!" @DIROJReyes commented: "His reaction was so genuine lol."
But some weren't as impressed. @JBjg01 fumed: "The business is down the pan!!! No way should Vernon Kay be WWE Champion!!!!" @madandp****doff shared: "He shouldn’t be doing this he didn’t earn it!!!!"
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