BBC Radio 2 presenter Vernon Kay has clarified the meaning behind his “favourite” catchphrase after using it during an on-air debate with co-star Jeremy Vine
Vernon Kay jokingly told his BBC Radio 2 co-star to “shut your face” during a discussion about reactions to the UK’s upcoming new theme park. The Universal United Kingdom Resort, which is set to open in 2031, represents one of the largest investments ever made in the UK’s tourism sector. The project is expected to create thousands of jobs and attract millions of visitors.
During an on-air exchange with Jeremy Vine, the broadcaster questioned whether residents living near the proposed Bedfordshire site had the right to be “nimbies” about the resort opening.
The term “nimby” is an acronym for ‘not in my back yard’ and refers to residents who oppose developments or projects close to where they live.
Taking issue with the phrase, Vernon told Jeremy: “I don’t like the phrase nimby, I’ll be honest with you, because if you’re not going to stand up for your own castle, which you’ve invested in and that’s your life, four walls, that’s your base, who else is going to stuck up for it?
“Because these people who are moving into the area aren’t from that area. They don’t know the impact that it’s going to have in the long term and the people who live there, you’ve got to defend your ground.”
As Jeremy attempted to move the conversation on, Vernon continued: “What I’m saying is, the term nimby, who’s going to defend your back yard?”
“Well, maybe nobody should,” Jeremy replied, prompting Vernon to quip: “There you go, shut your face.”
Later in the programme, Vernon explained why he enjoys using the phrase, while acknowledging that some people may find it offensive.
“I think mine is going to be my favourite catchphrase which I learned from my mate Shane Richie in the jungle,” he shared after reading out messages about the topic from listeners.
“‘Shut your face’, it’s just a classic, but I can’t deliver it in the way Shane Richie delivers it, ‘You shut your face’. When I say it to some people they find it offensive, but it’s not, it’s affectionate.”
The 52-year-old went on to joke that the phrase carries different meanings depending on whether he is saying it to Jeremy or his other co-star, Janine.
“I’m joking,” he clarified. “You know how much I say it, it’s really funny.”
It’s not the first time Vernon and Jeremy have enjoyed a humorous on-air disagreement.
Previously, the pair debated Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary’s proposal to ban early-morning drinking at airports. While Vernon backed Mr O’Leary’s suggestion, Jeremy firmly opposed it.
The presenter said: “If people can’t drink responsibly, then remove the reason why they can’t drink responsibly and just have normal drinking hours in an airport. Why is an airport different to anywhere else? Why can you get a pint at half four in the morning in an airport but not in a pub?”
However, Jeremy countered: “Maybe the airport’s got it right, maybe everything should be open all the time, but why would you punish the person who can drink two pints of lager without shouting, ‘Are you looking at my bird?’ Why is that person getting punished?”
Vernon fired back: “Because you’re on an aeroplane. I don’t want some clown affecting the flight and you’re going to end up in Italy somewhere because the clowns’ got to get off.”
Elaborating on his point, he continued: “I’m not being a Derek downer… it’s sounds like I am but when you’ve got families on planes, kids don’t need to witness that kind of behaviour.”
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