Vernon Kay is the lad from Bolton who created quite a stir within the television industry. His spontaneous wit and charming accent make him a huge hit with both male and female viewers of all ages. A natural on screen, Vernon is known for the TV show Family Fortunes and later, All Star Family Fortunes. These were the perfect shows for Vernon, ideal for his sharp sense of humour and ease with the guests. He presented the show over nine years between 2006 and 2015 with over a 120 episodes.
More recently in 2020 Vernon Kay spent some time in the jungle when he agreed to be in the 20th series of ‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!’. He didn’t do too badly, coming in third. He also became the host of the UK version of the American TV game show, Game of Talents.
In bigger news, 2023 will see Vernon on BBC Radio2. He is taking over from Ken Bruce on his mid morning show. Ken is retiring after 45 years with the BBC.
Vernon Kay then went on to co-host the live celebrity show Just the Two of Us for BBC1 working alongside his wife, Tess Daly. Vernon proved himself as a relaxed and enthusiastic host whose spontaneity was crucial in the live shows. He enjoyed ongoing success as part of the T4 team on Channel 4 and Radio 1. He later joined the station with his own slot. At that time he presented, Hit Me Baby One More Time on ITV and NBC (USA). He hosted the quiz show Head Jam on BBC2 and BBC 3 and Celebrities under Pressure on ITV. He presented Wife For William on E4 and The Grill on Channel 4. Prior to this, Vernon hosted the Saturday night show Boys and Girls on Channel 4.
Early Days:
Vernon Kay has a vast amount of presenting experience both live and pre-recorded. His first taste of fame was when he was spotted by a model scout from Select. This happened at the BBC’s Clothes Show Live. He began a successful modelling career. It was not long before he was picked out for stardom by Channel 4 when he won Model of the Week on The Big Breakfast.
Since then his personality and cheeky boyish charm have been noticed and he is constantly in demand for numerous presenting roles.
Vernon was the co-presenter for BBC2’s Top of the Pops Plus which was a Pops branded show, in addition to fronting the spin off series Top of the Pops Play for Play UK. The shows were music based formats with live band performances and interviews with entertaining viewer interaction.
Vernon Kay hosted the BBC’s youth magazine show FBI. This raised his profile in addition to guest presenting at T in the Park for T4. You may also recognise him from his days co-presenting Channel 5’s live magazine format The Mag and reporting for Trouble Television.