Vernon Kay says 'don't feed the beast' as he opens up on row with wife Tess Daly
Vernon Kay urged his colleague not to "feed the beast" after sharing details of a domestic disagreement with his wife Tess Daly over garden equipment.
The 51-year-old broadcaster recently shared with BBC Radio 2 listeners that Tess won't "allow" him to purchase a sit-on lawnmower. It dashed Vernon's "dream" of recreating Tom Hanks' iconic scene in Forrest Gump
In the cult-classic Forrest can be seen riding around an American football field on a mower. Vernon revealed he "couldn't wait" to get a sit-on mower after repairing his garden strimmer.
However, when co-presenter Ellie Brennan hinted at a potential new project for Vernon, he jokingly warned her, fearing Tess, aged 56, might not share his enthusiasm.
Discussing his vinyl collection, Vernon mentioned: "Records, they're great, all of mine are in the garage. Sometimes in the winter months it gets a bit damp."
(Image:)
Ellie's suggestion of a "new project coming on" prompted Vernon to respond: "Don't you...Don't you dare feed the beast, behave yourself."
He continued, referencing his previous gardening tool debate: "I've just got over lawnmower gate."
Then playfully envisaging a conversation with Tess, he said: "'Tess, Tess, Ellie says we need some new shelves for the records'."
Vernon had previously hoped Tess would agree to a new lawnmower for their Buckinghamshire residence, despite anticipating her reluctance towards a ride-on model. He told his audience: "I managed to get the strimmer working again, so all this week I will be strimming the borders of the garden.
(Image: Jed Cullen/Dave Benett/Getty Ima)
"Not yet purchased a lawnmower. On Friday I finished the show by saying Strictly Come Dancing's Tess Daly's allowed me to get a lawnmower and I can't wait. I've been doing that thing where you literally peruse lots of websites about garden machinery.
"Goodness me, there's a lot of stuff out there that I didn't realise I needed. I think with this acceptance from Strictly Come Dancing's Tess Daly's that we do need a lawnmower that I might, somehow, be able to fulfil my Forrest Gump dreams.
"Sit on a lawnmower and just mow the lawn." Imitating the iconic character, Vernon added: "I enjoyed it so much, I did that job for free."
Before the presenter added: "That's going to be me, I can't wait. I don't think she'll let me have a sit on one though."
Tess and Vernon met when they were presenters on rival TV stations. Tess was working for ITV on SMTV while Vernon was a Channel 4 star on T4.
Their relationship however blossomed and Tess says the pair felt an "immediate" connection. Vernon proposed on Christmas Day in 2002 amidst festive celebrations at Tess's family home.
The celebrity couple tied the knot at St Mary's Church in Horwich, Vernon's hometown, followed by a reception at Rivington Hall Barn. They now share daughters Amber, 15, and Phoebe, 20, together.
Vernon will appear on Celebrity Gogglebox tonight (June 27) alongside pal Paddy McGuinness. Celebrity Gogglebox airs from 9pm on Channel 4.
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