Vernon Kay has revealed his true feelings on Zoe Ball’s ‘shocking’ exit from BBC Radio 2.
In November, Blackpool-born Zoe announced she was quitting the Breakfast Show after six years, before signing off for the final time on December 20. Now, Vernon Kay has revealed his true feelings over her decision to leave.
“It was a shock to be honest with you,” admitted Vernon, recalling how Zoe broke the news to him. “She’s been so supportive of me taking over from Ken (Bruce) and she’s always been there with great words of wisdom and pieces of advice. She’ll be missed but I’m pleased that she’s doing it for herself. That’s the big thing.”
Vernon, 50 said he had good chats with Zoe after the death of her mother Julia, the Mirror reports. “When family comes into play you have got to make those decisions,” said Vernon. “Zoe has said she wants to spend more time with her family and that’s what’s best for her.
“But of course it will be sad to see her go. I first met Zoe years ago, it must have been around 1998. I was modelling at a charity fundraiser and Zoe was at a table and she was so gracious then and she’s equally as gracious now.
Scott Mills will take over Zoe’s show in 2025
(Image: Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)
“She’s always good with the advice, good with a mental hug, and we do talk about work, but she’s always the kind of person who will ask you about yourself. She’ll say ‘And are you alright?’ She’s just a nice kind person.”
Scott Mills is set to take over the Breakfast Show in 2025, after joining the station in 2021. Speaking about what the future holds for Radio 2, Vernon had high praise for the new breakfast host.
“Scott is the ultimate radio DJ he lives and breathes it. I don’t think there is anybody more deserving of the Radio 2 Breakfast show than Scott. The listeners love him. He’s very funny.”
Vernon has also been busy through the festive season with a starring role in pantomime, playing the leading role of Aladdin at Wycombe’s Swan Theatre alongside Drag Race star La Voix. Although this was an easy decision for Vernon, who first started in panto last year, it did call for a family meeting with wife Tess and their two daughters, Amber and Phoebe.
Luckily, the girls have no embarrassment about seeing their dad in tights. “Panto is brilliant it’s really good fun,” says Vernon. “But Christmas and new year is a busy time for Tess and I. We did have a big family discussion as to whether I should do it or not and the girls love panto so it was a huge yes from Amber and Phoebe. The girls are a bit older now so it kind of seems alright to be away during the festive period.
“February half term is the golden time for us. But then we’ve got GCSE’s next year with Amber. So it doesn’t stop.”
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