Top News

BBC Radio 2 presenter Vernon Kay has opened up about his health concerns while reflecting on his fears surrounding the ageing process. The popular broadcaster, who celebrates his 52nd birthday today (April 28), has previously spoken candidly about his fitness regime and determination to stay in the best possible shape for as long as he can.

He revisited the subject recently at the close of Gary Davies' programme and at the beginning of his own show earlier today.

Vernon's comments came after Gary wished him a happy birthday and made reference to the mini-mix of songs that had been compiled in his honour with input from listeners.

In response, Vernon revealed there had been some discussion over the theme of the songs.

He said: "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 fortunately replied: "No it wasn't."

Vernon went on to share some good news about his back, telling Gary: "I woke up this morning and the pain in my back was at least 60 percent less than it was yesterday."

That was not the only pleasant surprise awaiting Vernon, who also disclosed that fellow passengers on his train into work had taken the time to wish him a happy birthday.

He said: "Do you know what? When we sit in meetings and we talk about the audience for BBC Radio 2 and we're told that it's huge and the demographic is massive and this, that and the other, you don't realise it until something like this morning happened.

"You mentioned my birthday, you did the mini mix for me which I really appreciate, some great tunes in there, and listeners to BBC Radio 2 who catch my train came and said hello and happy birthday - of which there were many."

This is not the first occasion Vernon has addressed his health while on air. The previous week, he opened up about living with Morton's neuroma, a nerve condition that affects the third and fourth toes. The NHS describes the condition as involving a "thickening of tissue" around nerves in the foot.

Discussing his experience and how he ultimately received a diagnosis, Vernon revealed to listeners that it came about following a chance encounter at an electric car charging station.

He explained: "So yesterday I was at the services, I was charging the electric car, and I was struggling a little bit with the machine that actually does it - I was faffing around.

"I didn't know how to pay, I didn't know how to get it started. Anyway, we got there in the end and this gentleman who was parked in the bay next door to my car wound down his window and said, 'Hi Vernon.' I said, 'How are you?'

"We shook hands, he said, 'You alright there? You struggling?' I said, 'A little bit, I think it's working now.' When we said that it went [buzzing noise] and then it started to charge my car.

"We got chatting away - 'Where are you going? Blah blah blah.' I said, 'I'm going just down the road but I've run out of energy so I'm just topping up my car.' 'Brilliant, what do you do for a living?' 'I'm a foot specialist.'"

Vernon subsequently revealed that he persuaded the specialist to examine his foot on the spot. The specialist obliged, which led to the problem being identified and Vernon scheduling a formal consultation.