BBC Radio 2 presenter Vernon Kay has revealed what he jokingly described as a “life-changing” decision, made after speaking with those closest to him. The 52-year-old had spent much of today’s show teasing a “huge” announcement, before finally sharing that he has taken the plunge and started wearing glasses.
Announcing the news live on air, Vernon told listeners: “I said earlier on I’ve made a life-affirming decision, it’s a life-changer and it’s something that’s been in the pipeline for quite some time, and it’s been a frustration of mine, and I’ve finally came to the decision, with family members, to sort it out.”
He went on to explain: “I’ve decided to go to the opticians and sort me eyes out…we’re a full house of glasses wearers. And I just thought instead of straining, and straining, and straining, which makes your eyes worse, I thought I’d go for it, so…”
Opening up about his long-sightedness, the Radio 2 host added that the change had already made a noticeable difference. “These are only plus one, but it makes a massive difference. I’m having the time of me life,” he said.
Vernon also recalled putting his new glasses to use while travelling home from holiday. “I sat on the aeroplane back from vacation with me glasses on, reading me book, feeling proud as punch that I could actually see it less than six inches away from me face.”
The popular DJ also stressed that his choice to get spectacles was entirely down to eye health reasons, and had nothing whatsoever to do with his appearance.
Vernon then went on to share that his daughters, Phoebe and Amber, whom he shares with ex Tess Daly, were full of praise in response to his decision.
He clarified: “It’s not a vanity thing. Crikey, when it comes down to brass tax I can see, it’s as simple as that. I can see, so I’m well chuffed with myself. The gang were like, ‘Oh Dad, miles better’. I am now a bespectacled-wearing radio DJ.”
This is not the first occasion Vernon has discussed his wellbeing on air, with the presenter having previously opened up about his health on his birthday in April, after fellow presenter Gary Davies made a playlist dedicated to his co-star in honour of the occasion.
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.
“I woke up this morning and the pain in my back was at least 60 percent less than it was yesterday.”