Vernon Kay's 'dream' dashed by Tess Daly as she puts her foot down

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Vernon Kay joked that wife Tess Daly won't "allow" him to get a sit-on lawnmower so that he can fulfil his "dream" of recreating an iconic moment from a Hollywood movie.

The BBC Radio 2 presenter told listeners he wants to emulate Tom Hanks' iconic Forrest Gump by investing in a sit-on lawnmower. In the cult-classic Forrest can be seen riding around an American football field on a mower.

The 51-year-old broadcaster told his audience that Tess has let him get a lawnmower after he fixed their garden strimmer. It has led Vernon to wonder what other garden equipment he could invest in.

Speaking on Radio 2, he said: "I managed to get the strimmer working again, so all this week I will be strimming the borders of the garden. Not yet purchased a lawnmower.

"On Friday I finished the show by saying Strictly Come Dancing's Tess Daly's allowing 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."

Vernon and Tess's romance blossomed despite their early days on opposing TV networks, with Vernon at Channel 4's T4 and Tess presenting SMTV on ITV. Their love story transcended network rivalry as they quickly fell for each other.

Tess, 56, has openly talked about their "immediate" connection and how much fun they had together.

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 birthplace, followed by a reception at Rivington Hall Barn.

Their family life now includes daughters Amber, 15, and Phoebe, 20, with the four residing in a stunning six-bedroom Buckinghamshire home. This lavish residence features a converted shed-turned-home gym, festooned with football memorabilia, and its own private swimming pool.

Plans for relocation to a four-bedroom property faltered as the couple faced a rejection of their planning application.

2023 saw Vernon step into the spotlight as he took the reins of his mid-morning Radio 2 show, following in the footsteps of Ken Bruce. He now commands an audience of approximately 6.73 million daily listeners as the host of the station's iconic programme.