Vernon Kay smiling against a grey background
TV

TV favourite Vernon Kay once at centre of disgusting death hoax

The man himself expressed his shock at the news!

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Presenter Vernon Kay – who hosts The One Show tonight (July 12) – once fell foul of a shocking Wikipedia death hoax.

In fact, the story was so elaborately detailed and believable that the TV presenter himself admitted he was shocked by the news.

And he also gave an interview to confirm that he was “still alive and kicking”.

Vernon Kay on I'm a celebrity
Vernon Kay – who appeared on I’m A Celeb when it was in Wales – said he was still ‘alive and kicking’ after a death hoax (Credit: ITV)

When did the death hoax occur?

The incident took place when I’m A Celebrity was just a twinkle in Vernon’s eye.

It happened back in 2008.

His Wikipedia entry was updated by a hoaxer, who claimed he had tragically died.

By falling off a yacht, no less.

Read more: I’m A Celebrity viewers predict the star they think will be first to go

It read: “Vernon Kay sadly passed away after falling off a yacht on holiday in Greece on the 12th of September 2008.

“Kay, his wife Tess Daly and their daughter Pheobe (sic) were on the yacht.”

The entry added: “Kay was spotted on his mobile by photographers before tragedy struck.

“He was waving to the photographers and slipped and fell off of the edge of the yacht and was knocked unconscious.”

Vernon kay and Tess daly on the red carpet
He was said to have died falling off a yacht while on holiday with wife Tess (Credit: Splash News)

Vernon revealed he was still ‘alive and kicking’

Speaking at the time, Vernon told The Sun: “I am alive and kicking.

“A few friends rang to check that I was alright… I wish I was on a yacht in Greece,” he quipped.

Vernon Kay sadly passed away after falling off a yacht on holiday in Greece on the 12th of September 2008.

Vernon is now dad to two girls – Phoebe and Amber – with wife Tess.

Poster

I’m A Celebrity airs on ITV tonight at 9.15pm.

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Nancy Brown
Associate Editor