BEAT THE STAR: VERNON KAY

Vernon Kay

Beat The Star host Vernon Kay has created quite a stir within the television industry. Hailing from Bolton, the presenter, DJ and former model is one of Britain's most popular entertainment stars, with an impressive list of credits across all major UK broadcasters.

Vernon’s first taste of fame came when he was spotted by a model scout from Select and a successful modelling career followed. Shortly after this, he won “Model of the Week” on Channel 4’s The Big Breakfast - his first taste of TV fame.

As a presenter, Vernon cut his teeth as part of the T4 team on Channel 4 and on shows such as Head Jam for the BBC and Celebrites Under Pressure for ITV.

In 2003 he joined Radio 1 as a DJ and now has his own weekend slot from 10-1pm every Saturday.

2005 saw Vernon fly to the US to present a prime time reality series for NBC, Hit Me Baby One More Time, a show he had previously hosted for ITV1 in the UK.

In 2006, ITV returned game show favourite Family Fortunes to its screens with Vernon as the host, in a revamped show titled All Star Family Fortunes. Vernon was also selected to host the second series of Gameshow Marathon and presented ITV's coverage of The Prince's Trust 30th Birthday LIVE.

He also fronted two series of singing reality show Just The Two Of Us for BBC1 alongside his wife Tess Daly, and presented The World’s Greatest Elvis, also for BBC1.

Vernon recently signed an exclusive deal with ITV which will see him host a range of exciting projects over the coming years.