Vernon Kay poked fun at himself as he showed off his hair gaffe as he headed to host his new show on BBC Radio 2. The Bolton-born broadcaster has replaced veteran Ken Bruce, who helmed the programme for 31 years, in the 9.30am to 12pm slot.
Ahead of starting his show today, some of the great and good of Bolton gathered to wish him the best of luck. Vernon then opened his debut show by saying: "Right then, here we go – the adventure, let it begin. Good morning, everyone. Welcome. Welcome on board. Let’s do this!"
His first song was Beautiful Day by Irish rockers U2, which he said was "tried and tested on my two daughters, Phoebe and Amber.” He added: "They said ,'Yeah, Dad, it’s a classic, play it'."
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Introducing Chic’s Good Times, Kay said: "Hopefully this is a sign of things to come." He later added: "I can relax now. We are two tracks in. It’s all right. Everyone just simmer. Let’s bring the boil down to a simmer. So much noise in the build up to this show, as to be expected, but we are here now, we are in the chair and the microphone is working and that is all that matters.
"It’s a beautiful day here in central London and I do honestly, hand on heart, hope it’s a wonderful day wherever you are in the UK. It’s fabulous out here. That is one thing we are not going to be on this show; we are not going to be London-centric. This show is for you. It’s not all about what is going on in the capital. Oh no. Trust me, it’s about what is going on in your world."
Vernon was also played welcome messages from some fellow Radio 2 presenters including Zoe Ball who said: Willkommen, Bienvenue, Welcome to Wogan House Vern! I cannot wait for our handovers, sorry to miss you on your big day #KayDay! I’ll be back soon. You’ve got this. He’s here at last – the big V! Smash it baby.
And Scott Mills, who shared: "Vernon Kay, it’s your old mate Scott Mills. Me and Vernon go WAY back. Listen I’m so glad that you’re starting on weekdays on Radio 2 ‘cause I get to see you every day. You deserve it so much, people love you. You’re going to absolutely smash it in the mornings and we’re going to have so much fun. Welcome to the family. It also means that I’m not the new boy any more so HAHAHAHAHA!"
"Ah, well," Vernon simply responded before Richie Anderson asked: "You got something in your eye?" to which the 49-year-old replied: "Yeah, well, you’re stirred me brew there. That was lovely. And Zoe and Scott and Jo, obviously we go way back from t’other place and we, as a collective, had the best time on the radio and all I can wish for is that that continues here in Wogan House especially what Scott was saying.
"Scott and I were on the same TV show way back in 1998 when I started first ever live broadcasting. That’s how tight we are as a broadcasting duo. Forget his relationship with Rylan. I’ve known Scott much longer than he has [laughs]!" He emotionally added: "Oh thanks gang."
Vernon had earlier taken to Instagram as he was driven to the studios to kickstart his new gig. "Woke up with Elvis bed head for my first day!!" he typed alongside a selfie on his Instagram Story before adding countdown to his first show.
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