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Tony Blackburn has remembered his close friend and Radio 2 co-star Johnnie Walker after the broadcasting legend died at the age of 79

Tony Blackburn has paid tribute to radio DJ Johnnie Walker after he died at the age of 79, describing him as a “fine broadcaster and very good friend”.

It comes after Walker’s death was announced on air on Tuesday by his friend and colleague, BBC Radio 2’s Bob Harris, who took over presenting Sounds Of The 70s from the late DJ in November.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Blackburn said: “It’s very sad news, it was expected, because he’s been unwell for quite a long time.”

“I spoke to him about three weeks ago, and he was very breathless, he’s had problems with his lungs and everything, and he retired, of course, about three weeks ago.”

“But yes, I knew him very well. I never, funnily enough, knew him on the pirate radio stations, because I was there from 1964 to (1966) and he joined a lot later on Radio Caroline.”

Johnnie Walker has died at the age of 79 ( 
Image:
Redferns via Getty Images)
“But I got to know him much better on Radio 1, and of course, more recently on Radio 2, a fine broadcaster and very good friend, and very sad news.”

The 81-year-old went on to describe Walker as a “real pirate” because he had continued to present on pirate radio after the radio offences bill in 1967 made it illegal.

He continued: “We were both very proud of the fact in the 60s, we were trying to break the monopoly of the BBC, which of course, we did eventually, and then we ended up at the BBC, where we all had a great time.”

“But he’ll be sadly missed, one of those great broadcasters, he loved his music, he loved radio, and we were great friends.”

Blackburn concluded: “He will be sadly missed as a great broadcaster, and there aren’t many great broadcasters left these days.”

Earlier this year Walker presented his final Sounds Of The 70s show on BBC Radio 2 and also hosted his last episode of The Rock Show as he retired due to ill health.

Walker had announced in early October that he was retiring from radio after 58 years, having been previously diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

Also paying tribute on Tuesday was fellow radio presenter Ken Bruce and singer Michael Ball.

Bruce said in a post on X: “So sorry to hear the news about the great Johnnie Walker. Not only was he a wonderful broadcaster but also a man of great personal strength and kindness.”

While Ball said in a post on the social media platform: “So very sad to hear dear Johnnie has lost his brave battle and gone to the other side.”

“I will miss him. We shared many laughs and his stories were wicked and wonderful. Thinking of Tiggy and the family. God bless governor.”

Radio DJ Johnnie Walker has died at the age of 79 just months after hosting his final BBC Radio 2 Sounds Of The 70s show

Johnnie Walker has died at the age of 79, it has been announced.

The veteran radio DJ presented his final Sounds Of The 70s show on BBC Radio 2 in October and hosted his last episode of The Rock Show after needing to retire because of ill health.

He had announced in early October his retirement plans after 58 years on the radio. He had been previously diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

His death was announced on air by his friend and colleague, BBC Radio 2’s Bob Harris, who took over presenting Sounds of the 70s in November.

Tributes poured in for Johnnie following the announcement. His wife, Tiggy, said: “I couldn’t be more proud of Johnnie – how he kept broadcasting almost to the end and with what dignity and grace he coped with his debilitating lung disease. He remained his charming, humorous self to the end, what a strong amazing man. It has been a rollercoaster ride from start to finish.

Veteran DJ Johnnie Walker has died ( 
Image:
Press Association)
“And if I may say – what a day to go. He’ll be celebrating New Year’s Eve with a stash of great musicians in heaven. One year on from his last live show. God bless that extraordinary husband of mine who is now in a place of peace.”

Lorna Clarke, BBC Director of Music, also said: “Johnnie was a truly wonderful broadcaster, and a devoted music fan. There was nothing he loved more than introducing new artists, such as The Eagles, Rod Stewart, Lou Reed and Elton John in the early 70s on his Radio 1 show which attracted millions of listeners. We’re incredibly lucky to have had such a unique presenter as Johnnie on the BBC airwaves for so long.”

Tim Davie, BBC Director General, added: “We are deeply saddened by the news of Johnnie’s passing and our thoughts are with his family and friends, as well as everyone at Radio 2.

“Johnnie was a pop radio pioneer and a champion of great music, entertaining millions of beloved listeners on the BBC across decades, most recently hosting two shows on Radio 2. No-one loved the audience as much as Johnnie, and we loved him back.”

Johnnie Walker at work in his studio, September 1970. ( 
Image:
Popperfoto via Getty Images)
And Helen Thomas, Head of BBC Radio 2, noted: “Everyone at Radio 2 is heartbroken about the passing of Johnnie, a much loved broadcasting legend. He made Sounds of the 70s and The Rock Show appointments to listen to, sharing his personal memories and tales each week. He loved radio and inspired a generation of presenters, passionately promoting the artists and music he cared about so deeply.

“Johnnie’s wry sense of humour and his warm, open style of presenting ensured he was adored by his audience. The airwaves simply won’t be the same again. He will be very much missed by Radio 2 presenters, staff and listeners alike, and our thoughts are with his wife Tiggy and his children.”

Fans of Johnnie’s were quick to pay their respects online too, with Twitter/X users sharing messages of condolence. One user penned: “Aw RIP Johnnie Walker. Loved his ‘Sounds Of The 70s’ show a lot,” while another wrote: “Sad news re the death of Johnnie Walker. A communicator that delivered exactly what his audience expected.

“Warm, knowledgeable & never afraid to tell it how it was to those in power that thought they knew how the magic of radio worked. The end of a golden era.”

Ken Bruce also took to the platform to say: “So sorry to hear the news about the great Johnnie Walker. Not only was he a wonderful broadcaster but also a man of great personal strength and kindness.”

Colleague Elaine Paige also wrote: “So very sad to hear my @BBCRadio2 colleague Johnny Walker has died. My deepest condolences to his wife Tiggy and his family. He will be so deeply missed by everyone. RIP dear Johnnie.”

Johnnie was born in Birmingham and left school at the age of 15 to train to become a mechanic, later taking a job as a car salesman. He found an outlet for his passion for music with a Friday night slot as a disco DJ under the name Peter Dee.

Johnnie began his radio career in 1966 on offshore pirate station, Swinging Radio England. He then moved on to Radio Caroline, where he became a household name hosting the hugely popular night-time show. In 1969, he joined BBC Radio 1 and remained there until 1976. He then moved to San Francisco, where he recorded a weekly show broadcast on Radio Luxembourg.

Returning to the UK in the 80s, Johnnie presented Radio 1’s Saturday Stereo Sequence. After working on various BBC stations, he left Radio 1 for good in 1995 and three years later he was offered his own weekly show on Radio 2, before taking over Drivetime.

Radio 2 DJ Johnnie Walker with Sir Elton John in 2004 ( 
Image:
PA Archive/PA Images)He earned a reputation as a DJ who accorded more importance to the records he played than the chat between tracks, with names he pioneered including Lou Reed, Fleetwood Mac and The Eagles.

Johnnie later presented two shows on Radio 2 – Sounds of the 70s, from April 2009, and The Rock Show, which he launched in 2018 with his first guest Ozzy Osbourne.

Johnnie’s last episode of The Rock Show aired on Friday October 25, and his final episode of Sounds of the 70s aired two days later on Sunday October 27. His final words on the show were: “Walk into the future with our heads held high, and happiness in our hearts.”

It wasn’t the first time he had said his goodbyes to listeners, either. He once quit his Radio 1 show after being told he would have to play tracks from the Bay City Rollers – his pet hate. He was also sacked from the BBC’s London radio station GLR after celebrating Margaret Thatcher being forced from No10. And he was also once forced off his US Radio Station after his guests, The Sex Pistols, said the radio’s name, KSAN, sounded like a lavatory cleaner.

In October 2003, Walker underwent chemotherapy and an emergency operation for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Speaking to listeners live on his show, he revealed that he “died” on the operating table three times during surgery to repair his burst intestine. The condition IPF is one “in which the lungs become scarred and breathing becomes increasingly difficult”, according to the NHS.

The NHS website says it is not clear what causes the condition and that treatments can reduce the rate at which it worsens, but that there is “currently no treatment that can stop or reverse the scarring of the lungs”.

Radio 2 has revealed it will be paying tribute to Johnnie today in shows and also in the New Year. A collection of programmes showcasing Johnnie’s life and career will also be made available in BBC Sounds.

EastEnders has finally confirmed Grant Mitchell will be returning to the BBC soap for the 40th anniversary build-up, with actor Ross Kemp teasing ‘explosive’ scenes ahead

An icon is making their way back to EastEnders very soon, as Grant Mitchell is returning to the BBC soap for the 40th anniversary.

The BBC soap has finally confirmed the comeback for the legendary troublemaker, eight years after he was last seen in Walford. Ross Kemp is reprising the role, as the soap celebrates 40 years on air.

Grant has been at the centre of some major storylines across the years since his debut in 1990, also forming the iconic duo the Mitchell brothers with his equally troubled sibling Phil Mitchell. Life has been hard on the family in recent years with tragic losses, characters forced to flee and relatives jailed.

Phil himself is at the centre of a loneliness storyline, with Steve McFadden’s character showing signs of depression while isolating himself from his loved ones. Phil and Grant’s estranged best friend Nigel Bates has just returned too in another epic comeback, with more yet to be revealed about his own struggles.

Now, bosses have revealed Grant heads back to Walford in the lead-up to February’s 40th anniversary episodes. They’re currently keeping quiet on what brings him back amid drama with Phil and Nigel, while it’s been teased the scenes will be “explosive”.

An icon is making their way back to EastEnders very soon, as Grant Mitchell is returning to the BBC soap ( 
Image:
BBC/Kieron McCarron)
Grant has been in Portugal ever since he left back in September 2016 shortly after his mother Peggy Mitchell’s death. Now, Grant is set to return for a “short stint” in the New Year ahead of the big birthday episodes – while an exact timeframe has not been revealed.

Ross has teased his big comeback after rumours emerged earlier this year. Teasing Grant “comes back with a bang”, Ross promised fans there would be some “action” ahead as he shared his excitement to be back in Albert Square.

He spilled: “I’m delighted to be returning to EastEnders as the show heads towards its 40th anniversary. EastEnders has always meant so much to me, so to return as the show is about to celebrate such a special anniversary, is an absolute honour. Grant has never been far from the action and let’s just say, this time is no different as he certainly comes back with a bang.”

Soap boss Chris Clenshaw also reacted to the exciting news, promising the anniversary and Grant’s comeback would be “unmissable”. He said: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Ross Kemp back to EastEnders as he reprises the legendary role of Grant Mitchell. Whilst I’m not currently revealing exactly what brings Grant back to Walford, I can say that his return will play a significant part in the show’s 40th anniversary, and will make up many moments of truly unmissable TV.”

Coleen Nolan has opened up about her one worry as she approaches her 60th birthday as she admits she is still planning a small party with her family and friends

Loose Women star Coleen Nolan has opened up about her financial fears as she nears her 60th birthday in March.

Coleen expressed how she feels empowered and confident stepping into a new decade but confessed that money matters are still a source of stress. She divulged: “I’m turning 60 feeling strong and confident, and quite proud of what of what I’ve achieved, especially in the past few years when I’ve achieved it on my own.”

“Of course, I still lie in bed at night worrying about how I’m going to pay the bills, but it gives me the incentive to work hard, and that’s good.”

Coleen Nolan is a regular on Loose Women ( 
Image:
ITV)
With finances in mind, Coleen is opting for a more subdued 60th birthday celebration compared to her lavish 40th and 50th parties. She continued to explain to Closer UK: “My 40th and 50th birthdays were big events, but they cost a lot of money, so this year I just want to be surrounded by friends and family, even they come here for a little party,” as reported by Lancs Live.

A veteran Loose Women panelist since 2000, Coleen cherishes the close relationships with her ITV colleagues, admitting: “We’re good friends, as well as colleagues.” Coleen also admitted the likes of Ruth Langsford, Janet Street-Porter, Brenda Edwards and Christine Lampard will remain “friends forever” outside of the studio.

Celebrating the hit chat show’s 25th anniversary, she reflected on her affection for the programme and addressed the rumoured behind-the-scenes tension, clarifying: “If we hated each other as much some people say we do, we wouldn’t still be going 25 years later.”

Coleen spent her festive period with her sister Linda, who is heartbreakingly living with incurable cancer. During OK!’s exclusive photoshoot, Linda revealed her New Year’s Eve plans with her sisters. She aid: “There’s a big New Year’s Eve party at Coleen’s. She’s booked us all into a hotel up the road, so it should be great fun.”

Linda – who has moved in with her sister Denise and her husband Tom – she continues to live with the disease that also took the life of her beloved sister Bernie in 2013 at the age of 52. “I try to stay positive,” she insisted. “I’ll use jokes and humour as a way to cope, but of course it’s scary. And I have my days where I’m terribly down.” It’s been 50 years since Linda first rose to fame in The Nolans, selling 30 million records with hits such as Attention To Me, Gotta Pull Myself Together and I’m In The Mood For Dancing. It’s clear the support of her siblings has been a huge help to Linda, who lost her husband Brian to liver cancer in 2007.

Popular daytime show Loose Women continues to capture audiences every weekday at 12.30pm on ITV.

Loose Women star Charlene White has made a cheeky revelation about her friend Denise Welch who she says sends her ‘inappropriate’ messages while cameras are rolling on the ITV show

Loose Women’s Charlene White has spilled the beans about a cheeky habit of one her co-stars during live broadcasts of the popular ITV show.

Speaking on Caroline Hirons’ Glad We Had This Chat podcast, Charlene revealed that one of her fellow panellists often passes her ‘secret’ notes while they’re on air. She said: “Denise [Welch] does a really naughty thing, which I adore her for.

“We’ll be having a discussion about something or other and she’ll just be writing something on a piece of paper and slip it over to me live on air.” The contents of these notes, according to Charlene, are usually inappropriate bits of gossip that leave her struggling to maintain her composure.

She added: “I might glance down at it and it will be some inappropriate bit of gossip that she really shouldn’t be telling me, and then I’ve got to keep a straight face and I’m like hmmm, and then carry on talking meanwhile I can see her internally absolutely killing herself laughing.”

Alongside this revelation, Charlene also shared how she made her transition into chat show TV, telling Caroline: “My entire career has sort of been me sat there going ‘what do I want to do? I want to do this’ and then I’ll figure out a way to do it.”

Charlene White has exposed her Loose Women co-star’s cheeky habit ( 
Image:
Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

The ITV news presenter also shared her journey to becoming a part of Loose Women. She explained: “I have wanted to do Loose Women for a while, and so, I’d been pushing it for a while, and that pushing finally came off four years ago when I was invited in for a meeting and we had a bit of a chat and they liked what I had to say.

“I just think it’s one of the most incredible shows I’ve ever worked on.”

In addition to her roles on Loose Women and presenting ITV news, she made headlines in November 2022 as the first celebrity to be voted out of I’m A Celebrity.

Loose Women star Coleen Nolan turns 60 in March 2025 and has admitted she still worries about how she’s going to pay the bills, despite feeling ‘strong and confident’

Loose Women’s Coleen Nolan has candidly shared her financial concerns as she prepares to celebrate her landmark 60th birthday next year in March.

Speaking to Closer UK, Coleen reflected on recent events in her life. Despite “feeling strong and confident” as she approaches another decade, the Loose Women star admits there’s still one thing that keeps her up at night.

Coleen confessed: “I’m turning 60 feeling strong and confident, and quite proud of what of what I’ve achieved, especially in the past few years when I’ve achieved it on my own.

“Of course, I still lie in bed at night worrying about how I’m going to pay the bills, but it gives me the incentive to work hard, and that’s good.”

Loose Women star exposes Denise Welch’s ‘inappropriate’ on-air messages
With her financial worries in mind, after “big events” for her 40th and 50th birthdays, Coleen is planning a more subdued celebration as she marks another decade. She added: “My 40th and 50th birthdays were big events, but they cost a lot of money, so this year I just want to be surrounded by friends and family, even they come here for a little party,” reports Lancs Live.

Coleen has been a staple on the Loose Women team since she first joining the popular chat show in 2000, with the former singer still holding a prominent position on the iconic panel to this day. The beloved Loose Women star, 59, opened up about the strong bonds formed with her ITV co-stars, revealing: “We’re good friends, as well as colleagues.

Coleen also spoke of her relationship with fellow Loose Women colleagues ( 
Image:
Amy Brammall / ITV)

“Ruth (Langsford) and I will be friends forever outside of work and the same goes for Brenda (Edwards), Janet (Street-Porter) and Christine (Lampard).” As the show hit a milestone 25th anniversary, Coleen expressed her adoration for the popular ITV daytime programme while also addressing the persistent rumours about tension between the stars.

She said: “If we hated each other as much some people say we do, we wouldn’t still be going 25 years later.”

Catch the drama and camaraderie live as Loose Women airs every weekday at 12.30pm on ITV.

GMB’s Richard Madeley and Charlotte Hawkins were back on presenting duty on New Year’s Eve and news reporter Marverine Cole shared some “breaking news” live on air

Good Morning Britain’s Marverine Cole shared “breaking news” with ITV viewers minutes into the latest programme.

Richard Madeley and Charlotte Hawkins were on presenting duty on Tuesday (December 31) morning and woke up the nation with the latest headlines from across the globe.

News reporter Marverine announced live on air that Hollywood stars Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt had reached a settlement in their divorce.

She said: “Some breaking news. Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have finally reached a settlement in their divorce, ending a bitter eight-year legal battle. Angelina had filed for divorce all the way back in September 2016 just two years have the A-listers tied the knot, citing irreconcilable differences at the time.

Good Morning Britain’s Marverine Cole shared “breaking news” with ITV viewers minutes into the latest programme. ( 
Image:
ITV)

“No court documents have been filed yet. The couple who became known as ‘Bradgelina’ dated for 10 years before they decided to get married.” The couple got married in 2014 and they have six children.

They met on the set of the 2005 film Mr and Mrs Smith. The marriage was Brad’s second – he had previously wed Friends star Jennifer Aniston and Angelina’s third after actors Billy Bob Thornton and Jonny Lee Miller.

Hollywood stars Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have reached a settlement in their divorce. ( 
Image:
ITV)
Angelina has starred in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, Changeling and Girl, Interrupted while Brad’s filmography includes Fight Club, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and Twelve Monkeys.

It’s not the first time this week that Marverine has shared some breaking news live on GMB. During Monday’s (December 30) episode, the broadcaster delivered the tragic news that three foreign tourists had perished in a devastating blaze at a backpacker hotel in Bangkok.

Richard Madeley and Charlotte Hawkins were back on presenting duty on New Year’s EveOne victim was pronounced dead at the scene, while two others tragically succumbed to their injuries after being rushed to hospital. Reports from Thai media indicated that the trio, including one woman, were overcome by smoke inhalation before losing their lives.

Gavin and Stacey’s finale was watched by more than 12 million people on Christmas Day and some viewers pointed something out about a location that featured on the show

Fans of Gavin & Stacey have pointed out a huge error about a location that featured in the Christmas special.

The BBC sitcom returned for its “finale” on Christmas Day and over 12 million viewers tuned in. There were surprise appearances, like from Sonia (played by Laura Aikman), who was preparing to marry Smithy (James Corden) at the start. Towards the end of the episode though, Smithy ditched her at the altar after objections from wedding guests. He then announced that he wanted to stop Nessa (Ruth Jones) from boarding a ship at the Port of Southampton, with her having planned to take some time away from the UK with a new job.

A host of characters joined him on the coach journey from the wedding, at a venue in Essex, to Southampton. Despite some issues along the way, Smithy made it just in time and proposed to Nessa – with them later seen getting married.

Several signs suggested that scenes towards the end of the episode were based at the Port of Southampton, but some viewers from the area suggested that the scenes at the port, and others set in the city, weren’t filmed there as it didn’t look like the location. The scenes are instead understood to have been filmed in Wales, including at Newport Docks, in Newport, which is more than 100 miles away.

A host of characters headed to Southampton in Gavin and Stacey: the Finale to stop Nessa (played by Ruth Jones, left) boarding a ship ( 
Image:
BBC)

One fan wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: “[Finale] was great but as someone from #Southampton, the perception of the port was completely wrong.” Whilst another said on the platform recently: “[Episode] was just sheer perfection (glossing over the ‘Southampton’ docks location).”

Alongside a laughing emoji, one person said: “Disgusted. This is not our great Southampton!” Someone else teased: “Superb acting job by Newport Docks, playing Southampton docks on the #GavinAndStacey Christmas special.”

“No way in hell that was Southampton, the arch look[s] similar but not the road,” one person wrote. Someone said: “Well that’s definitely not Southampton is it.” Beside a laughing emoji, one fan wrote: “The way they tried to pass Barry as Southampton made me laugh. Ain’t no part of Southampton looking like that.” Someone replied to them: “And that Southampton docks was actually Newport docks”.

The scenes are however understood to have been filmed at Newport Dock, pictured, rather than at the Port of Southampton ( 
Image:
Mirrorpix)
Whilst one person wrote on Facebook: “It didn’t look right straight away! […] This was the only upsetting thing about it was that they didn’t actually come here to film.” Another said: “To be honest, it didn’t look anything like Southampton.”

Someone commented though: “I knew immediately that it wasn’t Southampton but just pleased my favourite city was featured in an absolutely amazing episode. Tidy.” Similarly, one fan wrote: “Having lived in Southampton my whole life I knew straight away it wasn’t Southampton, it really didn’t matter, it was brilliant from start to finish.”

It isn’t the first time that the show has used a location in Wales to represent somewhere across the border in England. Although his character Mick Shipman’s home is set in Billericay, Larry Lamb once told Radio Times that scenes weren’t filmed there. As previously reported, he said about the original series: “Gavin & Stacey was all filmed in Wales, nobody offered us the opportunity to go to Essex.”

Vernon Kay has opened up about Zoe Ball’s shock Radio 2 exit, Scott Mills takeover of the Breakfast Show and his plans for 2025 after a ‘hectic’ end to the year with wife Tess Daly

Vernon Kay has opened up about Zoe Ball’s ‘shocking’ Radio 2 exit as he spoke about the future of the station and his own hopes for 2025.

Beloved broadcaster Zoe, 54, announced she was quitting the Breakfast Show in November after six years at the helm, before signing off for the final time in an emotional show on December 20.

“It was a shock to be honest with you,” admitted Vernon, recalling how Zoe broke the news to him. “She’s been so supportive of me taking over from Ken (Bruce) and she’s always been there with great words of wisdom and pieces of advice. She’ll be missed but I’m pleased that she’s doing it for herself. That’s the big thing.”

Vernon, 50, said he and Zoe, who took six weeks off work over the summer following the death of her mother Julia, ‘had some good chats’ after she announced her exit, that saw the presenter explain her reasons for stepping down. “When family comes into play you have got to make those decisions,” said Vernon. “Zoe has said she wants to spend more time with her family and that’s what’s best for her.

Vernon Kay has admitted he was ‘shocked’ when Zoe Ball told him he was leaving until she explained her reasons ( 

Image:

BBC/James Watkins)

“But of course it will be sad to see her go. I first met Zoe years ago, it must have been around 1998. I was modelling at a charity fundraiser and Zoe was at a table and she was so gracious then and she’s equally as gracious now.

“She’s always good with the advice, good with a mental hug, and we do talk about work, but she’s always the kind of person who will ask you about yourself. She’ll say ‘And are you alright?’ She’s just a nice kind person.”

Taking over Zoe’s Breakfast Show in 2025 will be Scott Mills, who joined the station in 2021 – after following in Zoe and Vernon’s footsteps in moving over from Radio 2. It marks another turning point for the BBC station, which lost broadcasting giant Steve Wright at the age of 69 back in February.

Speaking about what the future holds for Radio 2, Vernon had high praise for the new breakfast host. “Scott is the ultimate radio DJ he lives and breathes it. I don’t think there is anybody more deserving of the Radio 2 Breakfast show than Scott. The listeners love him. He’s very funny.”

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Alongside his own Radio 2 mid-morning show, Vernon has been busy in panto over the festive season – starring in the leading role of Aladdin at Wycombe’s Swan Theatre alongside Drag Race star La Voix.

His final show will be an early performance on New Year’s Eve – before appearing on TV to host National Lottery’s Big Bash 2024 on ITV alongside Fleur East.

While returning to panto-land following his debut last year was an easy choice for Vernon, he reveals he did call a family meeting with wife Tess and his two daughters Amber and Phoebe to check they approved.

Tess Daly and Vernon Kay with daughters Amber and Phoebe ( 

Image:

Instagram)

Luckily, the girls have no embarrassment about seeing their dad in tights. “Panto is brilliant it’s really good fun,” says Vernon. “But Christmas and new year is a busy time for Tess and I. We did have a big family discussion as to whether I should do it or not and the girls love panto so it was a huge yes from Amber and Phoebe. The girls are a bit older now so it kind of seems alright to be away during the festive period.

“February half term is the golden time for us. But then we’ve got GCSE’s next year with Amber. So it doesn’t stop.”

Vernon Kay and Fleur East are hosting an unforgettable New Year’s Eve party

On New Year’s Eve, Vernon will be hosting National Lottery’s Big Bash 2024 to mark the 30 year anniversary of the first draw. The show – filmed in front of a live audience at OVO Arena Wembley in December – features performances from Perrie, KSI, Olly Alexander, Craig David and Ella Henderson. As well as a surprise appearance from the presenters of Loose Women and the cast of Mamma Mia celebrating the 25th anniversaries of both shows.

Vernone will appear alongside fellow host Fleur East, fresh from joining Vernon’s wife Tess on the Strictly Come Dancing presenting team as part of spin-off It Takes Two.

Coleen Nolan and Linda Robson are starring in the New Year special as part of a Loose Women and Mama Mia! musical mash up

“I’ve actually never worked with Fleur before,” said Vernon. “I went to Strictly once this year but obviously we watch It Takes Two and the show each week as a family to keep up with what the dancers are doing and the pros. It’s always nice to work with someone new because you can always learn off people.

“The line-up for Wembley is fantastic. Cirque du Soleil have something special planned with one of our olympians. I’m looking forward to that. They always put on a great show. And Craig David I mean crikey. When we were on T4 Craig David was ever present, even when I started my telly career he was on with Artful Dodger back in the day. It’s nice to know we’ve grown up together which is a daft way of saying it. He was at the Radio 2 in the Park in Preston too which was awesome. The things he does with his DJ set is incredible.”

Vernon Kay said things are going ‘great guns’ at Radio 2 as he marks two years at the station ( 

Image:

INSTAGRAM/VERNONKAY)

As he prepares to see in the new year with a host of stars, what does the future hold for Vernon in 2025?

“I don’t do New Years resolutions because you set yourself up for targets that aren’t necessarily obtainable. I just think things are going great guns at Radio 2. Let’s keep that up, let’s keep going to the gym, let’s still go on nice holidays.

“If you overstretch yourself with your hopes and dreams then if they don’t happen it feels like a massive downer. Just keep the positive going and if anything crops up that’s obtainable then go for it. I think a strong work ethic should be everyone’s new year’s resolution. Just keep going and trying hard.

“But I’m happy. Content I think is the word I’m looking for.”

The National Lottery’s Big Bash airs on New Year’s Eve at 5.45pm

EastEnders viewers believe someone who isn’t officially a suspect will be revealed as Cindy Beale’s attacker in the coming weeks on the BBC soap, after potential culprits were announced

Viewers think they know who really attacked Cindy Beale on EastEnders, ahead of her fate being confirmed.

The character was hit over the head with a metal shovel and left for dead on Christmas Day, with nine suspects named. Among them are her children Peter Beale, Gina Knight and Anna Knight, as well as her partner Ian Beale.

Then there’s her fling Junior Knight, her ex George Knight, daughter-in-law Lauren Branning and her love rival Elaine Peacock, not forgetting her mother-in-law Kathy Beale. But ahead of the name being announced to viewers in February as part of the BBC soap’s 40th anniversary, fans have shared a new theory.

They’re convinced it wasn’t one of the named suspects at all, and someone else caught up in the Christmas drama may have taken a brutal revenge. Kojo Asare, George’s brother and Junior’s uncle, was recently left fighting for his life after an incident with Cindy.

He tumbled off a fire escape stairwell after Cindy chased him, following him unearthing her affair with Junior. He kept quiet until Christmas when he spilled the beans about everything, after Cindy’s affair had already been exposed.

Kojo got upset after George lashed out at everyone, and as chaos ensued in the pub his niece Anna took him upstairs. Just before the attack happened we saw a scene of each potential suspect, with Kojo also seen onscreen at some point.

EastEnders viewers believe someone who isn’t officially a suspect will be revealed as Cindy Beale’s attacker ( 
Image:
BBC)
But Kojo was never declared a suspect by the soap and he did not feature in the promo photos of the suspects. It’s been suggested he isn’t one of the line-up almost as if he’s ruled out as being the attacker.

But some viewers think it’s a red herring, with them convinced Kojo could be the real attacker. With him not being named but being at the scene of the Christmas drama, and also having a motive, fans think he could be the one who left Cindy for dead.

He also vowed to help his brother after George asked for an alibi, so did Kojo actually do this to cover his own tracks? Viewers certainly think so, taking to X with their theories about the attack.

One viewer posted: “I think Kojo did it. Another agreed: “Kojo,” as a third said: “I think him too.” A fourth fan theory read: “My prediction is Kojo done Cindy.” This was echoed by another fan who posted: “Mine too,” whole a further tweet said: “I bet it was Kojo who attacked Cindy.”