Vernon Kay issues apology as he faces ‘backlash’ after exploding at BBC co-star live on air

In a recent broadcast of his BBC Radio 2 show, Scott Mills was joined on the airwaves by a listener for a round of The Birthday Game, but it would ultimately lead to a loud outburst from co-star Vernon

Matt Davies Trendswatch Reporter

13:56, 09 Dec 2025

Vernon Kay(Image: ITV1)

Vernon Kay has expressed his regrets after exploding at a BBC co-star live on air over a song played as part of a radio game. In a recent broadcast of his BBC Radio 2 show (December 9), Scott Mills was joined on the airwaves by a listener for a round of The Birthday Game, a segment that sees a contestant pick a song to play from a choice of three former number ones.

Participants can either skip or stick with the tracks, but if they make it to the third song, they’re “stuck with whatever’s left,” according to the BBC. Unfortunately for that day’s listener, however, the final track was “Say Eh Oh” by the Teletubbies. Scott noted they would have to “play the song in full” as he wished the listener a happy birthday and proceeded to play the track by the 1990s kids’ characters.

However, it seemed to be too much for Scott to bear, and he ultimately ended the song early. As he did so, he declared that he “can’t do it” and asked co-star Vernon if he agreed, to which Vernon bellowed: “Get it off! Now!” Scott replied by asking if he would like some “Tubby custard,” and again, Vernon shouted: “No!”

Scott Mills was joined on the airwaves by a listener for a round of The Birthday Game
(Image: Getty Images)

Scott later explained that he cut the song off because it was “awful,” conceding that it was “of its time.” In the final minutes of his show, Scott welcomed Vernon prior to handing over the airwaves to him for his own show. Vernon decided to use this moment to acknowledge that he was a “bit angry” about the Teletubbies song, saying: “I didn’t mean to kick off the morning with such ferocity.”

Scott revealed that he’d “never seen” his colleague’s face like that, noting that it was “pure thunder” and that he’d never seen him serious. He went on to disclose that they’d received “a few complaints” and joked that Points of View would be busy. Scott added: “Zoe says, ‘My son was loving that; get it back on.’ Oh, there’s quite a backlash.”

Scott declared that he “can’t do it” and asked co-star Vernon if he agreed
(Image: Getty Images)

In other news, Vernon recently shared his delight after the BBC confirmed his upcoming TV show. Vernon will be back on our screens in 2026 with a new celebrity quiz programme, dubbed Do You Know Your Place? Also starring The Traitors star Paul Gorton, the show will see Vernon test three famous contestants on their knowledge of the UK.

Speaking about the new programme, Vernon said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be fronting Do You Know Your Place? – it’s a cracking new quiz that’s all about the people and places we know best. It’s got great banter, brilliant guests, and that classic British competitive streak. I can’t wait for everyone to see it on BBC Two.”

Tess Daly and Vernon Kay attend the 2024 BAFTA Television Awards(Image: Getty Images for BAFTA)

In other developments, Vernon also recently revealed that he and his wife, Tess Daly, had lengthy conversations about her choice to leave Strictly Come Dancing. In an instalment of ITV’s Loose Men, Vernon joined Joe Swash, Rob Rinder, and Jordan Banjo for a chat about the importance of making decisions about relationships together.

Vernon explained: “It’s a team effort; a relationship is when two become one,” he started. “It’s important that you make those big decisions together, or at least, make a decision and then share it. We had a big one recently in our household, and we sat and shared it for quite a while, which is what you have to do when something has been in your life for so long, like Strictly Come Dancing.”

Tess Daly and Vernon Kay attend The Creative Industries Garden Party at Buckingham Palace
(Image: Getty Images)

He went on to say that you must sit and make a decision and “share it,” and also figure out the “how, what, where, when, why.” This comes after Tess and co-host Claudia Winkleman announced that they would be leaving the much-loved BBC dance competition at the end of the current series.

In the aftermath, Vernon shared his support for his wife, taking to his Instagram Stories to reshare posts, as well as posting an image of Claudia and Tess generated by a fan. It was accompanied by the message: “What a fantastic duo they have been.” The couple has been married since 2003 and has two daughters.