Vernon Kay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Vernon Kay
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Kay in 2007
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Vernon Charles Kay
28 April 1974 Bolton, Greater Manchester, England
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| Alma mater | Manchester Metropolitan University |
| Occupation |
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| Years active | 1995–present |
| Employer | |
| Television | T4 (2000–2005) All Star Family Fortunes (2006–2015) Beat the Star (2008–2009) The Whole 19 Yards (2010) Splash! (2013–2014) 1000 Heartbeats (2015–2016) |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Children | 2 |
Vernon Charles Kay (born 28 April 1974) is a well-known English TV and radio presenter. He used to be a model before becoming famous on screen.
He presented the show T4 on Channel 4 from 2000 to 2005. He has also hosted many popular shows on ITV, like All Star Family Fortunes (2006–2015), Beat the Star (2008–2009), and Splash! (2013–2014).
Vernon Kay also had his own show on BBC Radio 1 from 2004 to 2012. He then moved to Radio X from 2015 to 2017. Since 2018, he has been the main presenter for the live coverage of Formula E car racing around the world. In 2023, he became the new host of the mid-morning show on BBC Radio 2, taking over from Ken Bruce.
In 2020, Vernon Kay was a contestant on the TV show I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!. He finished in third place.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Vernon Charles Kay was born on 28 April 1974. He grew up in Horwich, which is near Bolton in England. His dad, Norman, was a lorry driver, and his mum was Gladys. He has a younger brother named Stephen, who is a primary school teacher.
Vernon went to St Joseph's RC High School in Horwich. After that, he studied at St John Rigby College. He then went on to graduate from Manchester Metropolitan University with a degree in environmental science.
Career Highlights
Starting in Modelling
Before he became a TV star, Vernon Kay worked in a DIY shop. He was convinced by a friend to go to a fashion event called BBC Clothes Show Live. There, he was spotted by a modelling agency and began his career as a model.
Television Shows
Vernon's success in modelling helped him start his TV career. He began by co-hosting shows for teenagers, like T4 on Channel 4 and The Mag on Channel 5.
In 2000, he co-presented the summer morning show Fully Booked for CBBC. He also hosted music shows like TOTP+ Plus and TOTP@Play.
From 2006, Vernon hosted the popular game show All Star Family Fortunes. He also presented Vernon Kay's Gameshow Marathon in 2007. Between 2008 and 2009, he hosted two series of Beat the Star on ITV.
In 2010, Vernon co-presented another ITV game show called The Whole 19 Yards with Caroline Flack. He also co-hosted Skating with the Stars in the United States.
From 2013 to 2014, Vernon, Gabby Logan, and Tom Daley co-presented the diving show Splash! on ITV. He also became a presenter for The American Football Show on Channel 4.
Vernon has guest presented The One Show on BBC One several times. In 2015, he started hosting the daytime quiz show 1000 Heartbeats for ITV. In 2016, he presented Drive, an entertainment show about cars.
In November 2017, Vernon began presenting Channel 5's coverage of the Formula E motor racing season. He has continued to present the FIA's coverage of the Formula E season since 2018.
In November 2020, Vernon Kay took part in I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! and finished in third place. In 2021, he hosted the British version of the new game show Game of Talents.
Radio Career
In January 2004, Vernon Kay joined BBC Radio 1. He presented a show on Saturdays from 10 am to 1 pm. He stayed with Radio 1 until December 2012, when he decided to leave to spend more time with his family.
Three years later, in September 2015, Vernon returned to radio on the new Radio X network. He hosted the weekday morning show from 10 am to 1 pm until March 2017.
Vernon returned to BBC Radio in 2021, covering shows on BBC Radio 2. He filled in for presenters like Rylan Clark and Steve Wright. Since March 2022, he has regularly covered for Zoe Ball on The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show.
In August 2022, Vernon started his own weekly show on BBC Radio 2 called Vernon Kay's Dance Sounds of the 90s. This show plays dance, electronica, techno, trance, and drum n' bass hits from the 1990s. In 2024, he even took this show on tour, performing as a DJ in different places across the UK.
On 24 February 2023, it was announced that Vernon Kay would be the new host of BBC Radio 2's mid-morning show. He started this new role on 15 May 2023.
Film Appearances
Vernon Kay has made a few small appearances in movies. He was in Keith Lemon: The Film (2012) and had an uncredited role as a feasting hall guest in Hercules (2014).
Personal Life
Vernon Kay married TV presenter Tess Daly on 12 September 2003, in Horwich, Bolton. They have two daughters together, born in 2004 and 2009.
In 2009, Vernon received an honorary doctorate from the University of Bolton for his contributions to entertainment.
Vernon is a big fan of his hometown football club, Bolton Wanderers. He also loves American football and played for the Manchester Allstars when he was 13. In 2011, he joined the London Warriors team, playing as a defensive back in the BAFANL Premier South division.
He also enjoys flying model aircraft and drones as a hobby.
Filmography
Television Roles
| Year | Title | Channel | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998–1999 | The Mag | Channel 5 | Co-Presenter |
| 2000–2005 | T4 | Channel 4 | Co-Presenter |
| 2006–2015 | All Star Family Fortunes | ITV | Presenter |
| 2008–2009 | Beat the Star | ITV | Presenter |
| 2013–2014 | Splash! | ITV | Co-Presenter |
| 2015–2016 | 1000 Heartbeats | ITV | Presenter |
| 2017—2023 | Formula E | Channel 5 / YouTube | Presenter |
| 2020 | I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! | ITV | Contestant |
Radio Shows
| Year | Station | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2004–2012 | BBC Radio 1 | Presenter |
| 2015–2017 | Radio X | Presenter |
| 2023– | BBC Radio 2 | Presenter |
Film Roles
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Keith Lemon: The Film | Himself |
| 2014 | Hercules | Feasting hall guest (uncredited) |
Images for kids
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Vernon Kay in 2007
