10 November 2023 , 09:27
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Vernon Kay has announced his star-studded replacement on BBC Radio 2 after confirming he would be taking a break from hosting his show.
The broadcaster is stepping down while he takes a break to run an ultra marathon for Children In Need. The news was shared on Instagram by BBC Radio 2, with a video of Vernon considering potential stand-ins. "Noel Edmonds? No," Vernon mused. "Mr Blobby? No."
He then made a phone call to Paddy McGuinness, who agreed to host a quiz during his time away. "Oh, didn't know you still did that!" Paddy joked, referring to Vernon's previous gig on Family Fortunes.
Vernon is set to undertake a massive challenge for Children in Need, running from London's Victoria Park to Bolton Wanderer's stadium. While the presenter will be busy with his epic challenge, Radio 2 favourite Ritchie Anderson will be in the hot seat.
Vernon Kay took over the mid-morning show on Radio 2 back in May (PA)Vernon's challenge will involve several marathons and ultramarathons over four days. Speaking about the incredible feat Vernon said: "I was just settling into my new mid-morning routine and now this!" Vernon's challenge will kick off on Tuesday, November 14, and is set to wrap up on Friday, November 17.
Radio 2 listening figures plunge as fans snub station after veteran DJs dumped
It comes after Vernon broke his silence after his BBC Radio 2 show saw a huge fall in listeners since he took over from Ken. While Vernon is still pulling in 6.9 million listeners, it is 1.3 million less than when Ken was on the BBC airwaves, according to the latest industry figures.
Addressing the dip in listeners for the first time, Vernon said it was "to be expected" when Ken left, as he had big shoes to fill. But he revealed there is no bad blood between the pair – who actually bump into each other most mornings now on the train into work.
Calling his predecessor an ‘icon’, Vernon told the Radio Times: "Ken’s a radio icon and there’s a lot of love for him. That’s proven by him taking some of the audience with him to Greatest Hits, which is fabulous for him."
Saying he still sees Ken on a regular basis and has even sparked up an unlikely friendship with his predecessor, Vernon shared: "We take the same train every morning! He gets on a few stops further down the line but we bump into each other all the time – we say hello and have a chinwag."
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