Vernon Kay has had his say on Zoe Ball leaving BBC Radio 2 (Image: INSTAGRAM/VERNONKAY)
has shared his surprise at ‘s ‘shocking’ departure from whilst reflecting on what the future holds for both the station and his aspirations leading up to 2025.
Zoe Ball, aged 54, beloved voice of Radio 2, informed her audience in November that she would be leaving the Breakfast Show, a position she had commanded for six years. Her tenure concluded with a final, heartfelt broadcast on December 20.
Discussing his reaction, Vernon confessed: “It was a shock to be honest with you,” as he recounted the moment Zoe shared her decision with him.
He expressed his gratitude for her continued support, especially as he transitions into Ken Bruce’s slot, noting: “She’s been so supportive of me taking over from Ken (Bruce) and she’s always been there with great words of wisdom and pieces of advice. She’ll be missed but I’m pleased that she’s doing it for herself. That’s the big thing.”
Vernon, who turned 50, reflected on heart-to-heart discussions with Zoe, who took a six-week break last summer due to the passing of her mother Julia. These talks came after Zoe made known her intention to step down.
Vernon acknowledged the impact of family on such life choices: “When family comes into play you have got to make those decisions,” he remarked. “Zoe has said she wants to spend more time with her family and that’s what’s best for her”, reported exclusively by .
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Vernon Kay has admitted he was ‘shocked’ when Zoe Ball told him she was leaving (Image: BBC/James Watkins)
The closing sentiment marked a bittersweet emotion for Vernon. Reminiscing about their longstanding friendship, he said: “But of course it will be sad to see her go. I first met Zoe years ago, it must have been around 1998. I was modelling at a charity fundraiser and Zoe was at a table and she was so gracious then and she’s equally as gracious now.”
“She’s always good with the advice, good with a mental hug, and we do talk about work, but she’s always the kind of person who will ask you about yourself. She’ll say ‘And are you alright? ‘ She’s just a nice kind person.”
In a major shake-up for the , Scott Mills is set to take over Zoe’s Breakfast Show in 2025, moving up from his join date at the station in 2021 and tracing the steps of predecessors like Zoe and Vernon from Radio 2. This pivotal moment follows the departure of broadcasting legend Steve Wright at 69 in February.
Vernon Kay couldn’t be more supportive of the incoming breakfast maestro, commenting on what awaits Radio 2: “Scott is the ultimate radio DJ he lives and breathes it. I don’t think there is anybody more deserving of the Radio 2 Breakfast show than Scott. The listeners love him. He’s very funny.”
While Vernon currently brightens mornings on Radio 2, he has been spreading festive cheer as the lead in Aladdin at Wycombe’s Swan Theatre, sharing the stage with Drag Race icon La Voix.
His last hurrah on stage will be a New Year’s Eve matinee before he dazzles television audiences hosting ITVs National Lottery’s Big Bash 2024 alongside Fleur East.
Vernon’s commitment to panto is unwavering, given his successful stint the previous year, yet he made sure pantomime magic was the right choice for 2023 by seeking the green light in a family summit with Tess Daly and daughters Amber and Phoebe.
Vernon Kay has shared that his daughters are unfazed by their father’s festive stage attire. “Panto is brilliant it’s really good fun,” Vernon enthused.
“But Christmas and new year is a busy time for Tess and I. We did have a big family discussion as to whether I should do it or not and the girls love panto so it was a huge yes from Amber and Phoebe. The girls are a bit older now so it kind of seems alright to be away during the festive period.”
He also touched on family plans, noting: “February half term is the golden time for us. But then we’ve got GCSE’s next year with Amber. So it doesn’t stop.”
The TV personality is set to dazzle audiences on New Year’s Eve, hosting the National Lottery’s Big Bash 2024 in celebration of the lottery’s 30th anniversary.
Recorded at OVO Arena Wembley in December, the star-studded event boasts performances by Perrie, KSI, Olly Alexander, Craig David, and Ella Henderson, with special appearances by Loose Women presenters and the cast of Mamma Mia, both marking their 25th anniversaries.
Vernon will co-host with Fleur East, who recently joined his wife Tess Daly on the spin-off It Takes Two. “I’ve actually never worked with Fleur before,” Vernon revealed.
Vernon Kay and Fleur East are hosting an unforgettable New Year’s Eve party (Image: ITV )
“I went to Strictly once this year but obviously we watch It Takes Two and the show each week as a family to keep up with what the dancers are doing and the pros. It’s always nice to work with someone new because you can always learn off people.”
“The line-up for Wembley is fantastic. Cirque du Soleil have something special planned with one of our olympians. I’m looking forward to that. They always put on a great show. And Craig David I mean crikey. When we were on T4 Craig David was ever present, even when I started my telly career he was on with Artful Dodger back in the day. It’s nice to know we’ve grown up together which is a daft way of saying it. He was at the Radio 2 in the Park in Preston too which was awesome. The things he does with his DJ set is incredible.”
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As he gears up to ring in the New Year alongside a star-studded line-up, what does Vernon see in his crystal ball for 2025?
“I don’t do New Years resolutions because you set yourself up for targets that aren’t necessarily obtainable. I just think things are going great guns at Radio 2. Let’s keep that up, let’s keep going to the gym, let’s still go on nice holidays.”
“If you overstretch yourself with your hopes and dreams then if they don’t happen it feels like a massive downer. Just keep the positive going and if anything crops up that’s obtainable then go for it. I think a strong work ethic should be everyone’s new year’s resolution. Just keep going and trying hard.”
“But I’m happy. Content I think is the word I’m looking for.”