BBC Radio 2 host Vernon Kay is presenting the National Lottery’s New Year’s Eve Big Bash on ITV as 2024 comes to an end but admits that his daughters have ‘banned’ a habit of his

Vernon Kay will be joining Fleur East to host The National Lottery’s New Year’s Eve Big Bash, seeing in 2025 alongside performers including Craig David, Olly Alexander, Perrie, KSI and Ella Henderson in the pre-recorded special. Vernon says viewers can expect a “mind-blowing” show – and a few surprises.

“It’s a big celebration, a big look back, a big rewind – great music and a great atmosphere at the Ovo Arena in Wembley,” he explains. “We’ll also have Cirque du Soleil performers there, which is quite a nice twist. When you see the strength and stamina of those performers, it’s something to behold.”

Vernon Kay is hosting The National Lottery New Year’s Eve Big Bash 2024 with Fleur East ( 
Image:
Getty Images for The National Lo)

After starring in panto in High Wycombe on New Year’s Eve, Vernon will be heading to his Buckinghamshire home to celebrate with his wife, Strictly Come Dancing’s Tess Daly, their daughters Phoebe, 20, and Amber, 15, Vernon’s parents and Tess’s mum. While the presenter is used to choosing the tracks on his BBC Radio 2 show, he says it will be his girls on DJ duty at home on New Year’s Eve.

“The music is well and truly in their control,” says Vernon. “They use my Spotify account but they control the music in our house. They like what we like though, so that’s pretty cool. My daughters have banned fireworks because I spend too much money on them,” he smiles. “I do a firework display like a child.”

Vernon Kay is spending New Year’s Eve with his family – but admits that his daughters have banned him from setting off fireworks this year ( 
Image:
tessdaly / Instagram)
As for New Year’s resolutions, Vernon vows to tackle 2025 with a young mindset. “I wake up every morning and just pretend I’m 19,” he says. “I didn’t have any responsibilities when I was 19. I loved going out, I loved working – and when you wake up with that, ‘Come on, let’s do it,’ mindset, I think it suits you. My personal situation has changed with kids, but if you attack the day like you did when you were 19, you can’t go wrong.”

Earlier this year, Vernon hinted at a potential move away from the UK, telling Annie McManus on her podcast Changes that he would love another shot at making it big in America. “Well, flippantly, I’d like another crack at America because I think I messed up. I did three network shows for America. I wouldn’t say I messed that up. I think looking back, I was inexperienced,” he said.

He added: “I think, knowing, being more confident in myself and the way I work, I’d like another go at a game show in America. That’s a big change.”