Vernon Kay was forced to miss his BBC Radio 2 show earlier this week, as doctors put him on vocal rest.
The presenter, on air on ITV’s Loose Women & Men today (September 26), sparked concern on Monday (September 23) as he struggled to speak.
The following day, Vernon was replaced by Gaby Roslin, who shared her concerns for the star. Issuing an update on Instagram, Vernon told fans not to “worry”.
Radio 2 listeners flood BBC with concerns over Vernon Kay
However, the statement did little to ease the concerns of his listeners, as many took to Twitter sharing their worries, with some blasting the BBC for not finding a replacement for Vernon when he first fell ill.
Monday’s show saw Vernon ask listeners to send in voice notes to help fill a series of gaps as he struggled to speak.
One listener said: “It’s actually a bit unprofessional in my opinion. I don’t know what @BBCRadio2 are thinking of. It’s one thing him going in, but Vernon wasn’t sent home sounding like that when he’s on for 2.5 hours?”
Another added: “It’s awful to hear Vernon‘s not well. Couldn’t he stay at home and wait till his voice gets better? I love the man but couldn’t Radio 2 have got a last-minute DJ replacement?”
A third then wrote: “WOW! Vernon Kay sounds awful.” Another said: “His voice is almost gone. Get better soon Vern.”
Gaby Roslin also chipped in as she replaced the star. She said: “Vernon, I hope your throat is feeling better. I was listening yesterday, I love the show but did worry about your throat. So take it easy, no talking today.”
Vernon’s return to the airwaves
Yesterday (September 25), Vernon returned to the show, updating listeners on his illness, which he branded “horrific”.
“We’re back. We’re not 100%. But if I took another day off with a sore throat, the big fella, Norman my dad, would have killed me.”
Vernon explained in a social media post that he was ordered to “step away from the microphone” on “doctor’s orders”. He said he was told to “rest” his voice to “let my vocal cords recover. They’re a bit strained, very hoarse.”
The star made no mention of his illness when he took part in Loose Women & Men on Thursday. However, viewers on Twitter were left convinced the show, which also featured Martin Kemp, was pre-recorded.
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