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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Katie Fitzpatrick

Fans react in disbelief as Vernon Kay reveals he's approaching a big birthday

Radio star Vernon Kay had fans reacting with amazement as he revealed that he's approaching a big birthday. Vernon beamed for the camera in a new snap on his Instagram as he hit the gym.

"Back at it in the HallOfFame gym!!" said the sports fan broadcaster, with framed NFL Lawrence Taylor 56 shirt behind him. He continued with a rallying message: "Summer is coming as is the big 50 next yr!! Let’s go get it."

Followers couldn't believe that Vernon, who shot to fame presenting Channel 4’s T4 in the early noughties, is looking towards his 50th birthday. The star, who was hailed a heartthrob as a finalist on I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here! in 2020, turns 49 next month.

mrshane reaction exclaimed: "50? And I'm the queen of sheba." And markwogan13 replied: "Fit as f*** at fifty." And chris.ansary said: "You look fabulous and nowhere near 50."

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The Bolton-born star will take over Ken Bruce's show from May after the depature of the radio icon after 31 years at Radio 2. Vernon, who is celebrating his 20th wedding anniversary to Strictly Come Dancing presenter Tess Daly later this year, is known for fronting various shows including All Star Family Fortunes, Just The Two Of Us, and Beat The Star. He presented his own BBC Radio 1 show between 2004 and 2012 and another on Radio X between 2015 and 2017.

Vernon became emotional when reflecting on the support he has received after announcing he will replace veteran broadcaster Ken. Appearing on The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show last month Vernon said: "My dad is a lorry driver and I said this when I joined Radio 2 and started standing in for Steve Wright, so we’ve always had Radio 2 on in the background.

"It is part of us, it is in our DNA – Ken Bruce is mid-mornings. You don’t think of any other DJ when you think of that slot. Whatever channel you choose to listen to, whoever is on mid-mornings, it’s the Ken Bruce slot. He has made it his own and he is an absolute legend of broadcasting.

"To be asked to step into those big shoes… it was a big deep breath, I’ll be honest with you. Obviously, I am over the moon and so are my parents and Tess and the kids, but it’s the Ken Bruce show and the man has raised the bar so high that I’m just so excited to be able to take the reins. I am absolutely over the moon, I really am."

He was moved to tears when reflecting on all the support he has received since he was announced as the new host. Vernon said: "One of the best things that has happened in the past few days is every single person on Radio 2 has messaged me and sent me an amazing either a voicemail, email, a Whatsapp… just saying how overjoyed that I’m joining the family… I’m getting quite emotional.”

Last week he shared a picture of his new BBC pass as he said: "And so the @bbcradio2 adventure begins! Not had one of these since @bbcradio1." And breakfast show host Zoe replied: "He's official. what a pic."

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