Vernon Kay Forced To Apologise After Jimmy Savile Mix Up On Radio

The presenter who was interviewing Soft Cell singer Marc Almond nervously laughed off the massive blunder.

Vernon began reading out a message from someone who had texted into the show.

He said: "Morning Vernon, love Marc Almond.

"Awesome voice and so unique. His music has helped me through some dark days. 

"I saw him at Pride and I think I was the first one at Hyde Park to run down and wait for him at the front.

"His duet with Jimmy Savile - erm, Jimmy Somerville, apologies - just blew me away. Absolutely awesome." 

Almond was heard laughing in the background while Vernon opted to apologise instantly to those listening in.

For those unaware, Jimmy Somerville is a 60-year-old Scottish singer/songwriter and was part of the Bronski Beat and The Communards in the 1980s.

Whereas, Jimmy Savile was a paedophile, who was said to have abused as many as 1,000 victims.

Savile was exposed in 2012 and has since been dubbed as one of the UK's most prolific predators.

Quite the mix up, as the host was well aware.

Vernon added: "That's a clip that we don't want to ever hear again.

"Apologies, apologies.

"Jimmy Somerville! Rewind…"

Kay went on to say: "Crikey, I’m never going to live that one down, am I?

"There’s a meme right there. Anyway, moving swiftly on!"

Unfortunately his blunder didn't go unnoticed and listeners were quick to pick it up.

One said: "Listening to Radio 2 this morning and Vernon Kay has just called someone Jimmy Savile oh my days."

Another added: "Vernon Kay getting Jimmy Savile and Jimmy Somerville mixed up. Deary me... Just stick to garlic bread and rola cola jokes, mate."

Another asked: "Anyone else hear Vernon Kay drop a Jimmy Savile bomb on Radio 2?"

Vernon was sitting in for usual host, Zoe Ball.

The 47-year-old former I'm A Celeb contestant presented his own BBC Radio 1 show between 2004 and 2012, and presented his own show on Radio X between 2015 and 2017.