Vernon Kay is reportedly lined-up to replace long-time host Ken Bruce in his primetime morning BBC Radio 2 slot.
The Bolton-born TV presenter may be well-known for fronting various shows on Channel 4’s T4 throughout his career, as well as several ITV shows including All Star Family Fortunes, Just The Two Of Us, Beat The Star, and Splash!, and for competing in reality competition show I’m A Celebrity… back in 2020, but he’s also got plenty of experience on the airwaves too.
The 48-year-old presented his own BBC Radio 1 show between 2004 and 2012, and then went on to host a show on Radio X between 2015 and 2017.
After four years off air, as 2021 rolled around, Kay went back into the radio studios to cover several shows for different absent hosts on BBC Radio 2 – including Zoe Ball, Scott Mills, Rylan Clark, Steve Wright, Dermot O’Leary, and Gethin Jones.
And now it seems he could be set for a permanent gig on the popular radio station.
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Vernon Kay reportedly set to replace long-time host Ken Bruce on BBC Radio 2 / Credit: Vernon Kay (via Instagram)
Following the announcement by Scottish radio broadcasting veteran Ken Bruce last month that he would be stepping down from his late-morning slot on BBC Radio 2, reports have emerged this morning that Kay could be set to bring his Greater Manchester accent to the masses as his replacement.
Revered host Bruce has hosted the primetime BBC Radio 2 show from 1986 to 1990, and then again from 1992 to 2023, but after after 31 years in the job, he is due to present his final 9:30am-midday slot next month.
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Revealing his decision to step down, the 72-year-old said he would “always be proud” of his association with the BBC and Radio 2, but that he wanted to continue his career “in a slightly different way in the next few years”, and confirmed that he’ll be moving to Greatest Hits Radio in April to present a brand new mid-morning show from 10am to 1pm.
This, of course, has left the BBC with the tricky task of finding someone to fill Bruce’s shoes.
Ken Bruce will host his final BBC Radio 2 show after 31 years next month / Credit: BBC
Addressing his departure in a statement earlier this year, a BBC Radio 2 spokesperson said: “We’ve seen a lot of speculation about who will take over the much coveted mid-morning slot on Radio 2, and we’ll confirm the new presenter in the near future.”
With both the BBC and Kay’s team declining to comment at this time on whether or not he will take over from Bruce in the role, listeners will just have to continue eagerly waiting replacement confirmation.
Featured Image – Vernon Kay (via Instagram)
Bolton
How and where to recycle your Christmas tree in Greater Manchester 2024
Thomas Melia
There comes a point in time where you’re all ‘spruced’ out and it’s time for a home interior refresh, so here’s all the ways you can recycle your Christmas tree in Greater Manchester.
Christmas has been and gone, but there’s no party blues yet, as the new year is just around the corner, there’s still plenty of fun to be had.
After taking down all those decorations from your tree, you may be stumped on what to do with it next, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
They say you learn something new every day, so if the ‘Twixmas’ period is when you like to take down your Christmas decs and start anew, then let us tell you about all of the different ways to dispose of your once-decorated greenery.
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Recycle your real Christmas tree in food and garden bin
You can pop your real Christmas tree into your food waste / garden bin, as long as its chopped and trimmed, with the trunk needing to be thinner than your wrist – but only if it isn’t possible take it to a Christmas tree recycling point instead.
Or you could continue the Christmas spirit by replanting your tree into your garden and keep it as a reminder of the fun of the festive season all year long.
Additionally, you can try returning your tree to the retailer or vendor you bought it from, whether that’s a shop or garden centre, but just make sure you check you can do this beforehand.
There are loads of different ways to recycle your Christmas tree in Greater Manchester / Credit: Flickr
Take it to your local tip
Christmas trees are accepted at all 20 recycling centres within Greater Manchester for free.
How ever you choose to give your tree the big send-off, make sure to apply for a specific vehicle permit if you’re giving your tree a more spacious mode of transport – such as a van, pick-up truck or a twin-axle trailer.
You can also drop off any unwanted ornaments here too, including that one that’s progressively been making its way to the back of the tree each year (we’ve all got one).
Artificial trees will be welcomed at all these locations too, so all that’s left to do is find your nearest recycling centre here.
You can find more information and register your tree here.
Greater Manchester residents can get all the advice they need online / Credit: Sean Foster (via Unsplash)
Donate to charity
Local charity, Just Helping, is providing collection services in some of the key Greater Manchester areas.
Everyone at this charity – which launched in 2012, and operates 106 collection areas nationwide – is not only helping to raise money for other Greater Manchester charities, but they’re also eco warriors too, as recycling Christmas trees prevents 82,000 kg of carbon dioxide emissions.
Anyone thinking of utilising these services can do so here.
If you’re still struggling on what to do with your Christmas tree, you can find more tips and advice on your local Council’s website with a link to each borough’s Council here.
Brilliant Boxing Day walks around Greater Manchester
Daisy Jackson
It’s Boxing Day, and for a lot of us, the only requirement of the day is to sort out (eat) the leftovers and enjoy one last day of vegetating in front of the telly… walking is not high on the agenda.
But all that over-indulgence from Christmas Day can start to creep up on you – waistbands straining, head a bit foggy, bank balance definitely suffering from the Christmas Eve pub session.
Without wanting to sound like your nan, sometimes a bit of fresh air is exactly what you need to get yourself put back together again.
Not to mention it can help you to build up an appetite again to dive into that cheeseboard for the sixth time this weekend.
Greater Manchester is blessed with beautiful walks in all directions.
We’ve rounded up a handful of beautiful Boxing Day walks to try out.
There aren’t many places in the UK that look so much like a Christmas postcard as Macclesfield Forest, making it one of our favourite winter walking destinations.
Here, huge conifers dominate the landscape like giant Christmas trees – it’s about as close to an alpine wonderland you can get without travelling all the way to actual mountains.
There are a number of walking trails to follow, from a gently green route all the way to a more challenging red route that takes you deeper into the forest.
Greenbooth Reservoir is one of Greater Manchester’s most underrated beauty spots.
If you tackle a full loop of all three reservoirs, you’ll come across a small waterfall, a stunning view of the Manchester skyline from the dam wall, and paths carved into steep hillsides.
It’s all nestled up in the Naden Valley in Rochdale, just above Norden.
Let’s see how awake your quads are, shall we, with an entirely uphill climb from Ramsbottom village to its magnificent Peel Tower.
The walk’s not too tough if you take it at a slow pace, and it’s well worth it for the views. Trust us.
You can go straight up the hill and straight back down again if you’re not wanting to rack up too many miles, or turn it into a circular and stroll across Holcombe Moor instead (beware – it can get windy up here).
There’s a map of the circular route here and some great pubs in the village to relax in afterwards.
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Dovestone Reservoir, Oldham
Dovestone reservoir. Credit: Unsplash @stravekc
Dovestone Reservoir is a beloved gem among many Mancunians – it might be busy on Boxing Day, but thanks to its mostly-wide footpaths and circular route it’s easy enough to have your own space on your walk.
The path around the water is mostly flat and accessible, making it ideal if you’ve still got a few generations’-worth of relatives hanging about.
You can keep going if you’re feeling adventurous, extending your walk to include Greenfield and Yeoman Hey reservoirs, or heading up to Saddleworth moor and the crags above.
You can find more information about Dovestone Reservoirhere.
This is far and away one of the best winter walks you can do locally, especially on a crisp sunny day (which we hope Boxing Day will be).
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The water is surrounded by woodland and meadows, and you chuck in a stroll along the banks of the River Mersey while you’re out here.
The lake itself is actually an artificial one, and was flooded after gravel was dug up to build the M60 in the 1970s.
In summer it’s packed with people doing watersports, but in winter it’s a picturesque little local stroll – and as a bonus, you can even get the tram right to the gate.
Reddish Vale, Stockport
Reddish Vale, Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Right then, if you want maximum bang for your buck (as in soaking in as much fresh air and scenery as you can in as short a time as possible), Reddish Vale is the one.
There’s a really gentle loop that starts from the car park and skirts the edge of the bottom pond, also taking in views of the enormous viaduct that looms overhead.
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And if you’re after something slightly more involved, you can keep exploring – this urban oasis spans 161 hectares with the River Tame running right through it.
Rivington Pike is a real gem in the North West, just across Bolton’s border with Lancashire, with loads to explore.
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There’s a trio of reservoirs at the foot of the hill but most people head upwards, towards the historic tower at the peak, where you can soak in views for miles around.
The Terraced Gardens are well worth exploring too, where you’ll find a hidden Japanese Garden, lakes, waterfalls, bridges, sculptures and caves.
Heaton Park, Manchester
It might not be the most adventurous of Boxing Day walks – Heaton Park is one of Manchester’s most popular and prominent green spaces and one of the largest municipal parks in Europe – but it’s a perfect option for a family-friendly stroll.
The huge park has miles of accessible footpaths which loop around the boating lake, the Grade I-listed Heaton House, and the ‘Temple’, which stands at the highest point in the city of Manchester.
There are also cows and horses wandering about (even when the animal park itself is closed) and the old tramline to check out.
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Hollingworth Lake, Littleborough
Credit: The Manc Group
What’s better than a walk where after you’re done you can stop off for a well-deserved friday night feast, fish and chips.
This is an accessible and flat walk suitable for all and if you’ve worked up an appetite there’s an ice cream truck courtesy of Northern sweet-treat greats Grandpa Greene’s on Lake Bank.
Located just a nine minute drive away from Bury town centre, Burrs Country Park is a great chance to be at one with nature while also making sure you’re not too far from home.
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This lovely stroll is certainly a-MOO-zing with comforting pub grub at The Brown Cow or nearby ice cream parlour Jersey Girls’ – we may have a little ice cream obsession…
Featuring some a vast green space and some of the most intricately landscaped paths and patterns, Peel Park is like stepping into a mini Bridgerton inspired garden, all that’s missing is keys to your own castle (We wish).
Another Salford beauty spot is just a 20 minute walk away but if the conversation is flowing the time will fly by.
Kersal Wetlands is a circular route that offers visitors the chance to see some cute feathered friends, mainly ducks, while burning off some of yesterday’ Christmas treats.
Both these walks are flat making them accessible for all and are ideal for anyone with a pram or people who may struggle with strenuous walks.
A Didsbury gem, Fletcher Moss Park is a 15 minute tram ride away from Manchester city centre and just under 15 minute walk from Didsbury Village tram stop.
This is more than a park, it’s a hidden oasis with well-maintained and lush garden spaces to a fascinating rock garden that’s simply awe-inspiring.
Grab a coffee or hot chocolate from the retro food and beverages truck and take a minute to appreciate this quiet spot before making your return to the usual hustle and bustle.
Millennium Walkway, New Mills
Torrs Millennium Walkway. Credit: Getlostmcr
Ever wanted to ‘hover above a huge gorge’while getting all your steps in? Well this Peak District town has got you covered.
Situated directly next to the River Sett, the impressive 175 yard walkway can be incorporated into various walking trails and routes that surround the area.
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New Mills has it all, whether you’re after a walk that admires some grand architecture in the shape of the impressive railway arches, or the lovely forest trails and greenery, there’s something for every type of walker.
Emily Sergeant -
24th February 2023 
