Vernon Kay narrowly avoided using a swear word on live broadcast on BBC Radio 2 while discussing a pet peeve that bothers him. During his mid-morning show on June 24, Vernon, in conversation with colleague Bobbie Pryor, mentioned Bobbie’s past habit of dressing as a Womble. He shared that a listener named Tracy had sent in a photo of herself and her twin sister dressed as the beloved children’s characters.

Bobbie referred to the Womble attire as a thing of the past, leading Vernon to humorously comment on the time when picking up litter was considered trendy, a nod to the Wombles’ eco-friendly practices. Bobbie insisted that it was still cool, with Vernon agreeing and emphasizing the importance of keeping communities clean by properly disposing of waste.

During the discussion, Vernon almost slipped up and used a more colorful term but managed to catch himself in time, expressing his frustration with littering. He emphasized the need for responsible waste disposal to maintain clean living spaces.

This incident is not the first time Vernon has come close to swearing on air. In 2025, he had to apologize for a similar slip-up while discussing Sara Cox’s Great Northern Marathon Challenge. Despite his occasional slip-ups, Vernon remains dedicated to his radio work and recently expressed disappointment at not winning an award at the ARIAS.

Reflecting on the experience, Vernon’s producer Janine highlighted the privilege of being part of the radio industry and celebrating the successes of fellow professionals. Vernon jokingly acknowledged Janine’s diplomatic response to their loss at the awards ceremony, showcasing their professionalism and camaraderie in the radio world.