Vernon Kay has admitted it is “a relief” after noticing a major change in how members of the public react to him – years after receiving a warning from former Family Fortunes host Les Dennis. The BBC Radio 2 presenter, 52, made the admission while discussing his station quiz segment Ten to the Top, which has become a popular feature of his mid-morning show.
Speaking on air, Vernon explained that listeners are now more likely to talk to him about the quiz than greet him with the iconic Family Fortunes buzzer noise associated with his years hosting the show. He said: “It's now become the replacement for [imitates Family Fortunes buzzer] when I walk around the supermarket, which is a relief. It's taken a while, and Les Dennis warned me, he did warn me.
“When I first got the Family Fortunes gig, he told me that it will follow you around for the rest of your life. But now, instead of [imitates Family Fortunes buzzer] I get 'Hey Vern, I play 10 to the top. Got the year question right.' 'Oh, well done. When did you do that?'
“And then people always say, 'I should give it a go.' Yes, you should. You're not going to lose. You either get a coffee mug, or you win a smart speaker. You don't leave empty handed.”
Vernon took over as host of Family Fortunes in 2006, succeeding comedian and television presenter Les Dennis, who fronted the long-running ITV game show for more than a decade.
The broadcaster's comments come a day after he revealed he had effectively been “banned” from discussing another of his favourite topics on BBC Radio 2.
During Monday's programme, Vernon read out a message from listeners heading to the Norfolk coast before joking that his descriptions of bacon sandwiches had prompted complaints from colleague Janine.
He told listeners: “Second in Gordon and Debbie Benning, getting ready to go to Hunstanton for a lovely bacon baguette at the cafe on the cliff. You know how I feel about a bacon sandwich. Janine has banned me from talking about my Saturday morning bacon sandwich in a Nigella Lawson styling. She finds it quite creepy.
“How I talk about lashings and lashings of French butter. Slowly oozing into a thick slice of sourdough. Creating tantalizing and magical moments on the palate.”
The presenter also apologised for sounding under the weather during the broadcast and admitted he was struggling with a sore throat.
He said: “I'm a bit throaty today. I do apologize. I don't know what it is, but I woke up on Friday morning with a really sore throat.
“So, I'm not gonna lie because we're all friends on mid-morning on BBC Radio 2. It might be more music less chat today. A bit throaty, we're on the honey and lemon.”
Despite feeling unwell, Vernon continued with the show while joking with listeners about everything from quiz questions to bacon sandwiches.
