BBC Radio 2 star Vernon Kay has reflected on difficult experiences growing up, opening up about comments on his appearance that have stayed with him over the years
Vernon Kay has opened up about the personal struggles he faced growing up, admitting he was left “always getting grief” over his appearance — something that still frustrates him today.
The BBC Radio 2 presenter made the candid admission during Susan Calman’s final Tracks of My Years show on Friday , May 1, where the conversation moved from music to memories of his teenage years. Known now as one of the most recognisable voices on British radio, Vernon reflected on life long before his broadcasting success, when confidence did not come so easily.
“Growing up, I’ve always looked like a giraffe. I’ve always looked like a beanpole, and I was called everything from the age of 11 because I didn’t start puberty until quite late,” he said. “I was tipping into the back end of 17, early 18s, so I was a very late developer. It was always tough. I was always getting grief, do you know what I mean?”
The 52-year-old, who currently hosts the mid-morning slot on BBC Radio 2 and has built a career spanning television and live presenting, said those experiences shaped how he saw himself for years. He admitted the comments pushed him into trying to change his body.
“So ever since then it was like, ‘I’ve got to put on weight, I’ve got to go to the gym, etc,’” he continued, before describing a turning point in his mindset. “But then it got to a stage where I realised it’s absolutely no one else’s business.”
During the discussion, fellow broadcaster Jeremy Vine suggested that such scrutiny can be difficult for many people to cope with, noting: “You’ve got to be very secure in yourself. Some people can be hurt.”
Vernon agreed, but stressed his frustration lies with the idea that people feel entitled to comment on appearance in the first place.
“I know what you mean, and I do understand that, Jeremy, don’t get me wrong,” he said. “But why is it anyone else’s business to report to you the way they feel about your appearance? It’s got nothing to do with them whatsoever. That’s what annoys me about it.”
Vernon’s comments come after the broadcasting star opened up about his health and concerns around ageing, reflecting on how he is trying to stay fit and well as he gets older. Having recently celebrated his birthday, Vernon discussed his health during an appearance at the end of Fearne Cotton and Gary Davies’ show, as well as at the start of his own programme earlier in the day.
Vernon said there had been some discussion about his choice of songs, with suggestions they might focus on his health issues. He explained: “There was a debate this morning… that it would be all about pretty much me and my ailments, my bad knees, my bad back, losing my memory, that kind of stuff.”
Gary responded simply: “No it wasn’t.”
Vernon later gave an update on his physical condition, noting an improvement in his back pain. He told Gary: “I woke up this morning and the pain in my back was at least 60 percent less than it was yesterday.”
Away from broadcasting, Vernon is known for his long-standing marriage to fellow television presenter Tess Daly, with whom he shares two daughters. The couple are widely regarded as one of British television’s most enduring partnerships, balancing high-profile careers with family life.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: mirror.co.uk
