Vernon Kay was left red-faced after making an unfortunate Jimmy Savile blunder while live on BBC Radio 2, mixing him up for Scots singer Jimmy Sommerville.
The presenter left listeners cringing when he made the embarrassing slip-up while covering Zoe Ball's Breakfast Show on Tuesday March 22.
Following an interview with Soft Cell lead singer Marc Almond, a fan contacted the show about the incredible impact the performer had on their life, Manchester Evening News reports.
Reading out the sweet message, Vernon said: “Morning Vernon, love Marc Almond. 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.”
Vernon then added: “His duet with Jimmy Savile – Jimmy Somerville, apologies – just blew me away, absolutely awesome.”
Those in the studio with Vernon, alongside singer Almond on the phone, immediately burst into laughter while Vernon tried to reassure readers: “Well, that’s a clip we don’t want to ever hear again, apologies. Jimmy Somerville, rewind.”
Accepting the fate of the blunder, Venron added: “Crikey. I’m never going to live that one down, am I? There’s a meme right there. Anyway, let’s move swiftly on.”
The moment wasn’t lost on listeners, who took to social media to share their second hand embarrassment for the host.
@salfordsmith61 tweeted: “Preparing to go into a period of mourning... for Vernon Kay.”
@Sporting_Chin tweeted: “Vernon Kay congratulating Marc Almond on his duet with Jimmy Savile is the sort of morning entertainment you need," While @Bravo1Niner said: “@vernonkay styling that out beautifully. Brilliant.”
@WesleyDoyleUK posted: “Marc properly cracked up at VK's slip, I didn't think he was going to stop laughing!”.
@GaryLDN tweeted: "Vernon Kay doing a Sterling job sitting in for Zoe Ball."
@tomatoshrimping said: “Vernon Kay, you had one job. Don’t get your Jimmy’s in a twist. Please can he be a regular on Radio 2. I never realised I need Jimmy Savile level bloopers to get me up in the morning.”
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