Vernon Kay apologises after confusing Jimmy Somerville for Jimmy Savile live on Radio 2
‘Anyway, let’s move swiftly on,’ said presenter
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Vernon Kay accidentally told singer-songwriter Marc Almond that he duetted with late paedophile Jimmy Savile during a live interview on BBC Radio 2.
The presenter is currently standing in for Zoe Ball on her Radio 2 breakfast show.
Speaking to Soft Cell’s Almond on Tuesday morning (22 March), Kay read out a message from a fan.
He said: “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. Amazing.
“His duet with Jimmy Savile – Jimmy Somerville, apologies – just blew me away, absolutely awesome.”
Almond erupted into laughter when he heard Kay’s mistake, and an embarrassed Kay told listeners: “Well, that’s a clip we don’t want to ever hear again, apologies. Jimmy Somerville, rewind.”
He later joked: “Crikey, I’m never going to live that one down, am I? There’s a meme right there. Anyway, let’s move swiftly on.”
Ball will be back to present her daily breakfast programme on Radio 2 after she recovers from Covid, having tested positive last week.
Soft Cell have teamed up with Pet Shop Boys for a new song, “Purple Zone” along with a music video for the track. The song will appear on Soft Cell’s fifth studio album Happiness Not Included, out on 6 May.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments