RADIO GAGA
Vernon Kay breaks down in tears on air talking about replacing Ken Bruce on Radio 2 show
VERNON Kay today said he is "thrilled" to be joining BBC Radio 2 with the host set to take over from Ken Bruce on the mid-morning show from May.
It comes after The Sun exclusively revealed the Family Fortunes star had signed a lucrative two year deal to step into veteran DJ Ken's shoes.
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Speaking on Zoe Ball's Radio 2 Breakfast Show, Vernon, 48, said: "I'm thrilled, I am absolutely over the moon, I really am.
"And one of the best things that has happened over the past few days is every single person who works on Radio 2 has texted me or sent me a WhatsApp saying they're so glad I'm joining the family.
"I'm getting emotional now."
Speaking about wife Tess' reaction to his new role, Vernon told Zoe: "She's over the moon.
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"Well, what she has to worry about is if we go for a boozy lunch, if you hang around until lunchtime. I'm out with the Ball!"
On making his mum and dad proud, Vernon added: "They're really chuffed and like I said we've grown up with Radio 2 me, dad sat in his (lorry) cabin, listening up and down the UK.
"First thing me dad said was, in the background because me mum picked up the phone, he said, 'Big boots them, son!"
The popular presenter has been filling in for Radio 2 hosts including Zoe and Scott Mills, and has proven a huge hit with listeners.
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News of the Bolton-born star's appointment comes five weeks after Ken, 71, stunned the world of radio by announcing he was quitting the BBC after three decades.
He will join commercial rival Greatest Hits radio, taking cult quiz segment Popmaster with him.
On Friday Ken appeared to take a swipe at his BBC bosses when he said they wanted him to leave the show earlier than planned and confirmed his last day would be Friday, March 3.
The Scottish DJ's move comes in the wake of accusations of ageism at the station following an exodus of older stars.
Steve Wright, 68, Paul O'Grady, 67, Vanessa Feltz, 60, and Simon Mayo, 64, have all left following the controversial shake-ups.
A source said at the time of Ken's departure: “Ken is Europe’s most listened-to DJ and has nothing left to prove at the BBC.
“He’s had an incredible time working there and is so grateful for the loyalty of all his listeners.
“But in recent years, there’s been a noticeable shift in direction, with a drive to attract a younger audience.
“The music has become edgier and more modern and the DJs seemingly ever-younger, which is a bit concerning for the old guard.
“Ken is still hugely ambitious and the BBC actually offered him a new deal.
“But after some months of negotiations, he decided the time was right for new opportunities.
“The fact he is taking Popmaster with him is a real coup for Greatest Hits — and a hammer blow for the Beeb. The very real fear is that listeners will leave in their droves.”
Ken regularly drew more than nine million listeners and has interviewed stars from Sir Rod Stewart, 78, to Beyoncé, 41. He said “the time is right” to move on from the weekday mid-morning show which he has presented since 1986.
In his press release for Greatest Hits Radio, he also pointedly said he looked forward to playing music from the 1970s to the 1990s — not mentioning the Noughties music Radio 2 often plays nowadays.
He said: “What better way to celebrate my 45 years in radio than with a new adventure.”
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Ken, who joined the Beeb in 1977, said in his BBC statement: “Nothing stays the same forever. I’ve done everything it is possible to do at Radio 2. I’ve always felt I’ve got something more to prove.
“I hope when people hear the news they will say, ‘Sorry to hear you’re going Ken, but maybe I’ll follow you to wherever it is you’re going’.”
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