Vernon Kay left red-faced after making Jimmy Savile blunder live on Radio 2 show

Vernon Kay was left embarrassed after making a Jimmy Savile blunder live on radio this morning.

The TV presenter, who hails from Bolton, was covering for Zoe Ball’s Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2 on Tuesday (March 22) when he made the unfortunate slip-up. As part of the show, Vernon interviewed Soft Cell frontman Marc Almond.

Following the interview, a fan reached out to the show to share the impact the singer had on their life. Reading out the heartfelt message on-air, Vernon said: “Morning Vernon, love Marc Almond. Awesome voice and so unique.

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“His music has helped me through some dark days. I saw him at Pride and I think I was the first one at Hyde Park to run down and wait for him at the front. Amazing.”

Vernon then added: “His duet with Jimmy Savile – Jimmy Somerville, apologies – just blew me away, absolutely awesome.”

Vernon said: "“Crikey. I’m never going to live that one down, am I?" (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Those in the studio with Vernon, alongside singer Almond on the phone, immediately burst into laughter while Vernon tried to reassure readers: “Well, that’s a clip we don’t want to ever hear again, apologies. Jimmy Somerville, rewind.”

Accepting the fate of the blunder, Venron added: “Crikey. I’m never going to live that one down, am I? There’s a meme right there. Anyway, let’s move swiftly on.”

The moment wasn’t lost on listeners, who took to social media to share their second hand embarrassment for the host. @salfordsmith61 tweeted: “Preparing to go into a period of mourning... for Vernon Kay.”

@Sporting_Chin tweeted: “Vernon Kay congratulating Marc Almond on his duet with Jimmy Savile is the sort of morning entertainment you need," While @Bravo1Niner said: “@vernonkay styling that out beautifully. Brilliant.”

@WesleyDoyleUK posted: “Marc properly cracked up at VK's slip, I didn't think he was going to stop laughing!”. @GaryLDN tweeted: "Vernon Kay doing a Sterling job sitting in for Zoe Ball."

@tomatoshrimping said: “Vernon Kay, you had one job. Don’t get your Jimmy’s in a twist. Please can he be a regular on Radio 2. I never realised I need Jimmy Saville level bloopers to get me up in the morning.”