Vernon Kay shocked fans when he revealed an enormous tattoo of a US sports star's face on his back after losing a bet. This Morning host and BBC Radio 2 presenter Vernon, who is a huge American football fan, had former National Football League star Eli Manning inked on his back.
The broadcaster from Bolton, who is married to Strictly Come Dancing host Tess Daly, caused jaws to drop as he revealed the tattoo to Eli while appearing on The Eli Manning Show filmed in London, with fans and retired New York Giants quarterback Eli wondering if it was real.
Vernon explained that he had the inking as a punishment for losing a 2012 wager over who would win the 2012 Superbowl between the New England Patriots and the New York Giants. "I said the Patriots would win and my best friend said that you guys would win. Obviously you guys won," said Vernon, 48.
READ MORE:
Eli, 41, asked: "How did that work out for you?" and Vernon got out of his seat. Taking his top off, he said: "I'll show you how it worked out." Eli jumped up exclaiming: "Oh my God" at the sight of his own face and rubbed the tattoo to check it was real. "Is that real?" he was asked, and Vernon replied: "Yeah."
Vernon's former fellow T4 host June Sarpong asked, as he shared photos and a clip on his Instagram: "WTF? Is that real?" and fionaandted said: "Please say this is a joke."
helena.o.connor exclaimed: "Poor Tess.. she’s the one looking at it." gerardburns2 asked: "That's not real is it..." And broncos_dan gasped: "Oh maaaaate."
Last week Vernon was part of a special welcome reception as the Rugby League World Cup trophy arrived at Bolton’s Albert Halls. He was among an array of rugby stars and sporting professionals to welcome the World Cup to his home town.
The I'm A Celebrity star, who shot to fame on Channel Four's T4 in the early noughties, was thrilled to be back in the historic town hall, and in the mayor's parlour where he worked as a cleaner for the council after graduating from Manchester Polytechnic, now Manchester Metropolitan University.
Vernon, who attended St Joseph's School in Horwich, has a lifelong passion for American football and recently visited the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He said: "Getting young people involved in sports is so important – and it’s great to see my hometown of Bolton doing everything they can to encourage the younger generation of people to embrace rugby league.”
READ NEXT:
Married At First Sight UK's Matt unrecognisable as throwback photo is unearthed
Coronation Street star announces she's joining Michelle Keegan on Brassic
Hollywood star Luke Evans films in Manchester as city doubles for New York
Strictly host Tess Daly shares rare backstage snaps as she prepares for showtime with a spray tan
Line of Duty star Vicky McClure stuns with hair transformation on ITV Loose Women
