BBC Radio 2 host Vernon Kay was left emotional on Monday, May 15 as he officially took over the reins from Ken Bruce, who left the position after 31 years for Greatest Hits Radio in March. The BBC announced Vernon would be replacing the veteran radio presenter earlier this year and fans have been eagerly waiting for his debut ever since.
Vernon opened his first show with Beautiful Day by U2 and as the track came to an end, told listeners: "Tried and tested on my two daughters Phoebe and Amber, they said 'yeah dad it's a classic, play it," so there you go, U2 Beautiful Day kicking us off." The 49-year-old followed it up with Good Times from Chic before moving on to tracks from Rita Ora and Harry Styles.
Later in the show, Vernon was joined by Richie Anderson who surprised the presenter with some messages of good luck from his colleagues, including Zoe Ball, Scott Mills, and Jo Whiley. He told the host: "Now Vernon, I've put myself in charge of your welcoming committee and there are so many people at BBC Radio 2 who wanted to send you a lovely good luck message."
Read more: Tess Daly's sweet gesture for Vernon Kay as he launched his new BBC Radio 2 show
A pre-recorded message from breakfast show host Zoe - whose show precedes Vernon's - then played as she said: "Oh Vernon, 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 baby, you got this."
Afternoon host Scott, who presented with Vernon during his first live broadcasting gig in 1998, then said: "Vernon Kay, it's your mate Scott Mills. Me and Vernon go way back. Listen, I'm so glad you are starting on weekdays on Radio 2 because 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 I'm not the new boy anymore."
Jo was last up and said in her message: "Hey Vernon, welcome to the gang, it's so nice to have you with us, you're going to be fantastic I know you are, you are such a lovely person to listen to on the radio and you're deeply lovely inside and out as well.
"You are fun, have a real love of music and passion and that's going to shine through the radio and you are just a joy to hear." As the messages came to an end there was a long pause, before Richie asked: "You got something in your eye?"
"Well yeah, you've stirred me brew there, you really have," Vernon replied. "That was lovely and Zoe, and Scott and Jo, obviously we go way back and we as a collective had the best time on the radio and all I can wish for is that continues here at Wogan House and across the road at Broadcasting House."
And following the start of the first show, listeners also reacted as one wrote: "Way to go @vernonkay What a start! Great tunes and already dancing around the kitchen. Good Luck to you @BBCRadio2."
"Great to finally hear @vernonkay on @BBCRadio2 this morning," said another. "And he’s played Harry Styles in the first hour so it’s all good for me."
While a third commented: "Listening to @vernonkay as he begins the morning show on @BBCRadio2 What a start! Some banging tunes, tracks of my years with Suggs and Vernon's mums birthday! It's going to be great!"
Not everyone agreed though, with one writing: "Sorry @BBCRadio2 it’s just not the same as @RealKenBruce." For more showbiz and television stories get our newsletter here.
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