Vernon Kay has spoken out after he was accused of sending flirty text messages to model Rhian Sugden behind wife Tess Daly’s back.
The television presenter previously became embroiled in a sexting scandal in 2010 when he admitted to sending messages to Rhian every day for four months after meeting her in a Bolton nightclub.
Radio DJ Vernon apologised for his behaviour at the time but was apparently back in touch with former Celebrity Big Brother housemate Rhian as he tried to find “closure” over what happened between them before.
And, while he admits he has been back in touch with Rhian again, he insists he’s done nothing wrong and that wife Tess knows everything.
The star wrote on Facebook: “Regarding today’s story: I was contacted by Rhian out of the blue back in December regarding the story in 2010 claiming she had information she wanted to pass on.
“I recognise how it may look when messages are pulled out of context but there was never inappropriate intent to our communication, I was merely trying to find answers to questions that I’ve had since 2010.
“Tess is aware of everything that has been discussed with Rhian.”
The broadcaster cancelled an appearance on television programme The One Show on Tuesday afternoon after he hit the headlines that morning.
He did continue with his show on Radio X that morning when he covered for Chris Moyles and admitted he woke up with a “massive headache” as the story surfaced but put it down to feeling under the weather over the Easter weekend.
Vernon, who shares children Amber and Phoebe with fellow television presenter Tess, was first back in touch with Rhian, who is engaged to former Coronation Street actor Oliver Mellor, last year.
He is said to have admitted he was being an “idiot” by communicating with her but still went ahead and made arrangements to meet up with her in January.
The plans eventually fell through due to work commitments.
Before Vernon spoke out, a source told The Sun: “He knows he’s been playing with fire and God knows what poor Tess will make of this.”
They added: “Vernon told Rhian he wanted to reconnect with her and he gave her a false name in his mobile.
“Sometimes he texted her while he was actually presenting his radio show and it wasn’t long before they were speaking to each other over the phone.”
Vernon admitted he was filled with regret after the original sexting scandal involving him and Rhian in 2010.
At the time, he said: “I’ve been an idiot and I’ve let my family down.”