Vernon Kay has opened up about as he spoke about the future of the station and his own hopes for 2025.

Beloved broadcaster Zoe, 54, announced she was in November after six years at the helm, before signing off for the final time in an on December 20.

“It was a shock to be honest with you," admitted Vernon, recalling how Zoe broke the news to him. "She’s been so supportive of me taking over from Ken (Bruce) and she’s always been there with great words of wisdom and pieces of advice. She’ll be missed but I’m pleased that she’s doing it for herself. That’s the big thing."

Vernon, 50, said he and Zoe, who took six weeks off work over the summer following the death of her mother Julia, 'had some good chats' after she announced her exit, that saw the presenter explain her reasons for stepping down. "When family comes into play you have got to make those decisions," said Vernon. "Zoe has said she wants to spend more time with her family and that’s what's best for her.

"But of course it will be sad to see her go. I first met Zoe years ago, it must have been around 1998. I was modelling at a charity fundraiser and Zoe was at a table and she was so gracious then and she’s equally as gracious now.

"She’s always good with the advice, good with a mental hug, and we do talk about work, but she’s always the kind of person who will ask you about yourself. She’ll say ‘And are you alright?’ She’s just a nice kind person."

Taking over Zoe's Breakfast Show in 2025 will be Scott Mills, who joined the station in 2021 - after following in Zoe and Vernon's footsteps in moving over from Radio 2. It marks another turning point for the station, which lost broadcasting giant at the age of 69 back in February.

Speaking about what the future holds for Radio 2, Vernon had high praise for the new breakfast host. “Scott is the ultimate radio DJ he lives and breathes it. I don’t think there is anybody more deserving of the Radio 2 Breakfast show than Scott. The listeners love him. He’s very funny."

Alongside his own Radio 2 mid-morning show, Vernon has been busy in panto over the festive season - starring in the leading role of Aladdin at Wycombe’s Swan Theatre alongside Drag Race star La Voix.

His final show will be an early performance on New Year's Eve - before appearing on TV to host National Lottery’s Big Bash 2024 on ITV alongside Fleur East.

While returning to panto-land following his debut last year was an easy choice for Vernon, he reveals he did call a family meeting with wife Tess and his two daughters Amber and Phoebe to check they approved.

Luckily, the girls have no embarrassment about seeing their dad in tights. "Panto is brilliant it's really good fun," says Vernon. "But and new year is a busy time for Tess and I. We did have a big family discussion as to whether I should do it or not and the girls love panto so it was a huge yes from Amber and Phoebe. The girls are a bit older now so it kind of seems alright to be away during the festive period.

"February half term is the golden time for us. But then we’ve got GCSE’s next year with Amber. So it doesn’t stop."

On New Year's Eve, Vernon will be hosting National Lottery’s Big Bash 2024 to mark the 30 year anniversary of the first draw. The show - filmed in front of a live audience at OVO Arena Wembley in December - features performances from Perrie, KSI, , Craig David and Ella Henderson. As well as a surprise appearance from the presenters of and the cast of Mamma Mia celebrating the 25th anniversaries of both shows.

Vernone will appear alongside fellow host Fleur East, fresh from joining Vernon's wife Tess on the presenting team as part of spin-off It Takes Two.

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“I’ve actually never worked with Fleur before," said Vernon. "I went to Strictly once this year but obviously we watch It Takes Two and the show each week as a family to keep up with what the dancers are doing and the pros. It’s always nice to work with someone new because you can always learn off people.

"The line-up for Wembley is fantastic. Cirque du Soleil have something special planned with one of our olympians. I’m looking forward to that. They always put on a great show. And Craig David I mean crikey. When we were on T4 Craig David was ever present, even when I started my telly career he was on with Artful Dodger back in the day. It’s nice to know we’ve grown up together which is a daft way of saying it. He was at the Radio 2 in the Park in Preston too which was awesome. The things he does with his DJ set is incredible."

As he prepares to see in the new year with a host of stars, what does the future hold for Vernon in 2025?

"I don’t do New Years resolutions because you set yourself up for targets that aren’t necessarily obtainable. I just think things are going great guns at Radio 2. Let's keep that up, let’s keep going to the gym, let’s still go on nice holidays.

"If you overstretch yourself with your hopes and dreams then if they don’t happen it feels like a massive downer. Just keep the positive going and if anything crops up that’s obtainable then go for it. I think a strong work ethic should be everyone’s new year's resolution. Just keep going and trying hard.

“But I’m happy. Content I think is the word I’m looking for."

The National Lottery’s Big Bash airs on New Year's Eve at 5.45pm