An ITV star has been named as the new host of BBC Radio 2’s mid-morning show, taking over from the departing Ken Bruce.

Vernon Kay has been announced by the BBC as the new host of the show, having already featured on the station covering for Zoe Ball, Steve Wright, Rylan Clark and Dermot O’Leary in recent years.

The well-known radio and TV host said he was “over the moon” to be trusted with the job.

He said: “What an honour to follow in the footsteps of the mighty Ken Bruce. I look forward to playing some of the best music in the world whilst in the company of the Radio 2 listeners who I feel I’ve got to know over the last 18 months.

 

“It’s a dream come true to join the Radio 2 family and I can’t wait to start.”

Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, added: “Radio 2 is home to some of the UK’s best loved presenters, and I’m thrilled to welcome Vernon to mid-mornings on Radio 2.

“He’s a hugely talented, warm and witty host who has already proved himself to be a firm favourite with our listeners when he’s presented many and varied shows across the station.

“I can’t wait to hear his brilliant new show.”

Vernon kicked off his radio career at Radio 1 from 2004 – 2012, where he presented Saturday and Sunday mid-morning shows. From 2015 – 2017, Vernon presented the mid-morning show on Radio X.

Vernon has been a regular face on TV for the past 20 years, having presented a variety of shows including All Star Family Fortunes (ITV) Formula E coverage (C4) T4 (C4) This Morning (ITV) and numerous game shows for ITV including Vernon Kay’s Gameshow Marathon, Drive and Splash.

He’s also hosted three network shows in the US for ABC and NBC and he came third when a contestant on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here in 2020.

Vernon will be talking to Zoe Ball next week live on the Radio 2 Breakfast Show.