Vernon Kay found himself in hot water recently when his attempt at a Scottish accent was criticized by none other than Lorraine Kelly, a long-standing television personality. 

The incident took place during Kay’s presentation on BBC Radio 2, where he decided to mockingly imitate a Scottish accent.

His actions prompted Lorraine Kelly to take matters into her own hands, publicly addressing the faux pas during a live broadcast.

In a message aired on the radio, Lorraine expressed her disapproval of Kay’s performance, calling the imitation “incredibly offensive.”

She went on to issue a formal apology on behalf of Kay, addressing the Scottish people with a message that condemned the stereotype presented by the accent. Lorraine said,

“Vernon, what are you doing? On behalf of Vernon Kay, I would like to apologise to all of my fellow Scots for that incredibly offensive stereotype.”

She continued to emphasize the beauty and diversity of the Scottish accent, reminding listeners that it encompasses a range of sounds.

“The Scottish accent is a beautiful thing that comes in many different varieties and not everybody sounds like Billy Connolly, but that’s okay because we love him,” Lorraine added, alluding to the famous Scottish comedian.

To further lighten the situation, she jokingly reassured the people of Scotland, stating, “So, to the people of Scotland, Radio 2 would like to once again apologise for Vernon Kay and please rest assured he is being sent on a 16-week accent awareness course.”

Kay, not one to back down from humor, took the reprimand in stride. “Oh, I’ve been told, thank you Lorraine,” he responded playfully. His co-presenter, Ellie Brennan, added, “You don’t mess with Lorraine,” hinting at Lorraine’s well-known no-nonsense attitude. Despite the light-hearted banter, the incident highlighted the sensitivity surrounding cultural representation and the importance of being mindful of stereotypes.

This wasn’t the first time Vernon had found himself at the center of attention for an offhand comment. Recently, he also shared a humorous moment involving his wife, Tess Daly.

Kay told his Radio 2 listeners about a funny interaction he had with his wife when he ventured into his garden shed. As he pulled out a power tool, Tess, who is famously known for her role on Strictly Come Dancing, was quick to caution him.

“Whenever I go in the shed, I pull out a power tool. Strictly Come Dancing’s Tess Daly’s always stood at the front door, ‘Now, just please be careful,’” Vernon recounted with a laugh, acknowledging that his wife is concerned about his sometimes reckless antics.

In a lighthearted aside, Vernon went on to describe his fears of using a cement mixer. He joked that he would likely end up falling into the machine, spinning around as though he were inside a washing machine, alluding to the humorous way he often views potentially dangerous situations.

Vernon and Tess have been together for many years, having met in 2001 when both were starting their TV careers. While working as TV presenters for rival networks, Vernon hosted Channel 4’s T4 and Tess worked on ITV’s SMTV. Their on-screen chemistry soon turned into romance, and they married in 2003. Despite their busy schedules, the couple has continued to support each other in both their professional and personal lives.

However, the couple has recently spent some time apart. Tess traveled to Dubai for a photo shoot for her brand Naia Beach, as well as to Ireland to support her friend Brian Dowling and his husband Arthur Gourounlian, who is a judge on Dancing With The Stars. Meanwhile, Vernon stayed at home, making the most of some time off by attending the BRIT Awards. Reflecting on his solo evening out, Vernon shared a humorous experience. He found himself sitting alone on a bench opposite a piano shop, admiring a £35,000 piano in the window while eating a kebab. “I am eating me kebab, sat opposite, thinking, ‘Wow, imagine owning a piano that’s 35 grand and you’re able to play it,’ as kebab gravy fell on the floor between me legs,” he recalled with a laugh.

The incident involving Vernon’s imitation of a Scottish accent serves as a reminder of the importance of cultural sensitivity, as well as the playful dynamic between Vernon and his colleagues. Whether through his light-hearted approach to life or his humorous reflections on family, Vernon continues to entertain his fans while learning valuable lessons along the way.