Entertainment
Vernon Kay fiercely defended after BBC Radio 2 listeners slam him over Ken Bruce ‘replacement’-Robert Oliver-Entertainment – Metro
Vernon Kay has been tipped to replace Ken Bruce on BBC Radio 2 (Picture: Rex)
Rumours are circling that Vernon Kay will take over from Ken Bruce on Radio 2, and some of the station’s loyal listeners are struggling with the news.
Bruce, 72, announced earlier this year that he would be departing the BBC after first joining them in 1986, and will be moving to Greatest Hits Radio instead.
Meanwhile, Kay, 48, who joined the BBC in 2004 and started hosting on Radio 2 in 2021, emerged as the favourite to replace Bruce this week.
Many Radio 2 listeners had predicted that veteran broadcaster Gary Davies, who regularly sits in for Bruce, would be taking on the role full-time.
Others speculated that Scott Mills might be open to taking over from Bruce after sitting in for him on occasion, but Kay now appears to be the front-runner.
The news has split Radio 2 listeners, with many dreading the prospect of having Kay present the mid-morning slot while many others celebrated it.
Kay started hosting on Radio 2 during the pandemic, stepping in for Rylan (Picture: Getty/ITV)
One disgruntled listener tweeted: ‘Anyone tuning in to Radio 2 and expecting to hear Ken Bruce might be a little disappointed when they hear Vernon Kay instead. Rather like turning up at a Tom Jones concert to find out he’s been replaced by Jack Duckworth.’
‘Vernon Kay replacing Ken Bruce on Radio 2? Oh dear,’ another tweeted, before someone responded, coming to Kay’s defence: ‘I’m pleased with this. He was great standing in for Zoe Ball.’
‘Vernon Kay is the best Radio 2 DJ not to have a regular slot. Ideal choice for Ken’s replacement,’ one supportive listener commented.
Dominating discussions surrounding the reported upcoming change was the matter of Kay’s age, with many older listeners admitting to feeling ‘disenfranchised’.
Vernon Kay taking Ken Bruceâs spot on Radio 2? Excellent news, heâll do a cracking job. Also, with him and Sara Cox in the prime time spots – Cause to change the name of the station to BBC Bolton? Yes. Thatâll do.— Daniel (@TrottersDan) February 24, 2023
People whingeing that Vernon Kay is replacing Ken Bruce on Radio 2, saying its not a station for older people anymore.Ken Bruce was 35 when he got the mid morning show. Vernon Kay is 48.— Rich S (@TiredRich_) February 24, 2023
Vernon Kay replacing @RealKenBruce on BBC Radio 2 ⦠Oh Dear ð©#BBCRadio2 #KenBruce #popmaster #music— Giz âð»â¤ï¸ð¶ (@GizamoNl) February 24, 2023
Ken Bruce is stepping down after more than 30 years at BBC Radio 2 (Picture: Mike Lawn/REX/Shutterstock)
‘With such seismic shifts in Radio 2 towards a younger demographic, I wonder where they want us older listeners to go? Feeling a tad disenfranchised,’ a social media user commented.
Another older listened said they will ‘follow’ Bruce to his new radio home.
However, it has been pointed out that Kay, at 48, is at least 13 years older than Bruce was when he started at the station back in the mid-80s.
Itâs comforting that one of the main constants in British life continues unabated. Complaints about changes to schedules and presenters have been ever present since the dawn of radio. #Radio2 #VernonKay— Claire ð (@claireahall) February 24, 2023
‘Vernon Kay is 13 years older than Ken Bruce was when he started his mid morning slot. Is it shifting toward a younger demographic, or just keeping its demographic as it is?,’ another Twitter user questioned.
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The BBC has yet to confirm if the reports of Kay taking over from Bruce are true.
Meanwhile, Kay recently admitted that he and star Shane Richie broke the rules on I’m A Celebrity by smuggling in a mobile phone.
‘I knew Shane was doing it. I said to him beforehand, “Look they’re gonna take all our stuff off us, take a burner phone in and then we can keep in touch.”‘
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE : Vernon Kay ‘signs contract’ to replace Ken Bruce on BBC Radio 2 after impressing listeners
MORE : Zoe Ball replaced last minute by Vernon Kay on BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show due to illness
Vernon Kay has been tipped to replace Ken Bruce on BBC Radio 2 (Picture: Rex)
Rumours are circling that Vernon Kay will take over from Ken Bruce on Radio 2, and some of the station’s loyal listeners are struggling with the news.
Bruce, 72, announced earlier this year that he would be departing the BBC after first joining them in 1986, and will be moving to Greatest Hits Radio instead.
Meanwhile, Kay, 48, who joined the BBC in 2004 and started hosting on Radio 2 in 2021, emerged as the favourite to replace Bruce this week.
Many Radio 2 listeners had predicted that veteran broadcaster Gary Davies, who regularly sits in for Bruce, would be taking on the role full-time.
Others speculated that Scott Mills might be open to taking over from Bruce after sitting in for him on occasion, but Kay now appears to be the front-runner.
The news has split Radio 2 listeners, with many dreading the prospect of having Kay present the mid-morning slot while many others celebrated it.
Kay started hosting on Radio 2 during the pandemic, stepping in for Rylan (Picture: Getty/ITV)
One disgruntled listener tweeted: ‘Anyone tuning in to Radio 2 and expecting to hear Ken Bruce might be a little disappointed when they hear Vernon Kay instead. Rather like turning up at a Tom Jones concert to find out he’s been replaced by Jack Duckworth.’
‘Vernon Kay replacing Ken Bruce on Radio 2? Oh dear,’ another tweeted, before someone responded, coming to Kay’s defence: ‘I’m pleased with this. He was great standing in for Zoe Ball.’
‘Vernon Kay is the best Radio 2 DJ not to have a regular slot. Ideal choice for Ken’s replacement,’ one supportive listener commented.
Dominating discussions surrounding the reported upcoming change was the matter of Kay’s age, with many older listeners admitting to feeling ‘disenfranchised’.
Ken Bruce is stepping down after more than 30 years at BBC Radio 2 (Picture: Mike Lawn/REX/Shutterstock)
‘With such seismic shifts in Radio 2 towards a younger demographic, I wonder where they want us older listeners to go? Feeling a tad disenfranchised,’ a social media user commented.
Another older listened said they will ‘follow’ Bruce to his new radio home.
However, it has been pointed out that Kay, at 48, is at least 13 years older than Bruce was when he started at the station back in the mid-80s.
‘Vernon Kay is 13 years older than Ken Bruce was when he started his mid morning slot. Is it shifting toward a younger demographic, or just keeping its demographic as it is?,’ another Twitter user questioned.
More: Trending
The BBC has yet to confirm if the reports of Kay taking over from Bruce are true.
Meanwhile, Kay recently admitted that he and star Shane Richie broke the rules on I’m A Celebrity by smuggling in a mobile phone.
‘I knew Shane was doing it. I said to him beforehand, “Look they’re gonna take all our stuff off us, take a burner phone in and then we can keep in touch.”‘
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE : Vernon Kay ‘signs contract’ to replace Ken Bruce on BBC Radio 2 after impressing listeners
MORE : Zoe Ball replaced last minute by Vernon Kay on BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show due to illness
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