Vernon Kay
British television show host and radio DJ Vernon Kay has appeared in numerous music, pop-culture, and reality shows, but may be best known to American audiences for hosting "Skating with the Stars." Born in Bolton, he had an early career as a model before first hosting the children's magazine show "FBi" (Fully Booked Interactive), a live series that encouraged viewers to participate by submitting questions for guests. Kay subsequently found a regular spot on "T4," a weekend block of programming that includes musical performances, celebrity interviews, and American sitcoms. The success of the British competition show "Hit Me Baby One More Time," where former pop stars performed their old hit songs as well as a newly popular tune led to an American version of the series, again with Kay as host. For "Just the Two of Us," another competitive singing show, where celebrities were paired with professionals, he shared hosting duties with his wife, Tess Daly. Kay has hosted a couple of shows based on foreign productions including "Beat the Star," from a German show where contestants face off against celebrities in various physical and mental challenges, and "All Star Family Fortunes," an adaptation of the American "Family Feud" with a celebrity joining each team. He also joined the fray, competing against other hosts and actors in recreated challenges of classic shows on "Gameshow Marathon," earning the second place spot and the chance to host the subsequent season.