Vernon Kay has candidly opened up about a particularly difficult encounter with a Hollywood star during an interview, admitting he received significant backlash after previously mentioning the incident. The seasoned broadcaster, with over two decades of experience on television and radio, reflected on this challenging moment while speaking exclusively about his career highs and lows.
A Hollywood Interview That Brought 'Grief'
When questioned about navigating tough interviews, Kay immediately recalled an uncomfortable situation with a major Hollywood figure. He chose not to name the star this time, explaining, 'I mentioned it previously and got a load of grief.' Despite this one problematic experience, he emphasised that he has rarely encountered truly difficult personalities, thankfully noting, 'I've not really come across anyone who has been a proper prick.'
Career Highlights and Fond Memories
In contrast to that solitary negative memory, Vernon Kay recounted numerous career highlights that have made him pinch himself. As a devoted golf fan, interviewing Tiger Woods stood out as a special moment. He also cherished sharing drinks with Arnold Schwarzenegger at the Terminator 3 premiere and his long-running tenure hosting Family Fortunes for fourteen years.
His radio career on BBC Radio 1 and 2 remains a point of pride, though he humorously referenced hosting Splash for two years as 'a moment I'd rather forget', alluding to the diving show's mixed reception. Throughout the conversation, Kay affectionately praised his wife of twenty-three years, Tess Daly, describing her as 'so good in everything that she does' and expressing eagerness to work with her professionally again.
Who Should Replace Tess Daly on Strictly?
With Tess Daly's departure from Strictly Come Dancing after more than twenty years, Vernon Kay was quick to endorse his colleague Alex Jones as the ideal successor. He stated without hesitation, 'Alex Jones should be on the floor,' citing her as the funniest presenter he has ever worked with. Kay believes Jones' live television expertise and irreverent humour, sometimes constrained by the formalities of The One Show, make her perfect for the Strictly role.
'If they pick anyone but Alex, that person has to, literally, be made of liquid gold. Alex, for me, is the right choice,' he asserted. Kay feels Jones deserves this prime-time opportunity after many years on The One Show. For the 'Claudatorium' role, he suggested Rylan Clark, noting his deep familiarity with the show.
Radio 2's Piano Room Returns
Since taking over Ken Bruce's mid-morning slot on Radio 2 in 2023, Vernon Kay has been busier than ever. Next month, the station's Piano Room feature makes a celebrated return, featuring an impressive lineup including Tori Amos, Melanie C, Mumford and Sons, Pulp, Darius Rucker, Labi Siffre, and Squeeze. Accompanied by the renowned Concert Orchestra from Maida Vale studios, each artist will perform a new song, a classic, and a cover.
Kay attributes the popularity of Piano Room to its stripped-back, intimate atmosphere. 'We hear the performer sing in their rawest form,' he explained, highlighting how the classical instrumentation allows listeners to appreciate the artists' talents without the overpowering elements of a full band. Radio 2's Piano Room continues on Vernon Kay's weekday show from 9:30am to 12pm until February 26th.
