BBC Children in Need host Vernon Kay's 'brutal' admission as he is in disbelief over special family update

Vernon Kay will return to our screens tonight to host Children In Need. The 50-year-old is one of six presenters fronting the BBC telethon tonight to raise funds for young people.

This year's telethon gets underway at 7pm on BBC One and Vernon is in the studio in support of such a valuable cause. The Radio 2 presenter participated in Children In Need last year with an incredible ultramarathon run from Leicester's Victoria Park to Bolton Wanderers stadium.

Vernon admitted the fundraiser is one of the toughest challenges he has ever completed, as he said: "I’m truly honoured to be a presenter for BBC Children in Need this year, supporting such an incredible cause.

"Last year's knee-ruining run from Leicester to Bolton was brutal, one of the toughest things I’ve ever done, so I’m thrilled to be joining you from the comfort of MediaCity this time! Children in Need is such a special charity, changing lives in the most amazing ways, and I couldn’t be prouder to be part of this year’s big night!”

READ MORE: I went to see Vernon Kay DJ in Liverpool and what I saw after the show will stick with me

READ MORE: BBC's Vernon Kay blown away by Liverpool as he's in disbelief after 'sweet' family update

Paddy McGuinness is taking the mantle of putting his body on the line to raise money this year as he is embarking on a mammoth cycle from Wrexham to Glasgow. Vernon was emotional on air for Radio 2 yesterday as he read out a listener's message, who had been inspired to donate by Paddy's gruelling cycle.

Reading out the listener's message, Vernon said: "Hey, Vern. What an inspiration and such a lovely person. Paddy's doing an amazing challenge.

"I'm donating £30 on behalf of my three gorgeous grandsons, Joshua, Oliver and Thomas, as even though they're only young, I want to share this message with them to inspire them to always think of. I want them to know that it's easy to inspire and think of others when they're old enough to understand'."

Vernon was overwhelmed with emotion as he said: "My gosh, Nanny Gwyneth; you've done me there. I wasn't expecting that slap in the face with a big wet kipper. Phil, pass the tissues. Nanny Gwyneth, you've literally hit the nail on the head. It's so easy, so easy to think of others. It really is."

Vernon is following in his wife's footsteps by hosting Children In Need this year. He revealed Tess was the only person he told about the exciting news as he said: "I didn't tell the kids or any of the family only Tess knew I'd been offered the gig so they all found out when we announced it on The One Show along with everyone else."

He added: "[The family is buzzing for me... BBC Children in Need has always been a big deal in our house as you'll know Tess presented it for years alongside Sir Terry (Wogan) so it's a really big deal for me to be a part of it."

Vernon admitted he is slightly nervous about the challenge of hosting such a big production as he said: "There's the emotional element of being part of something that's doing so much good, but also the practical terrifying! element that it's a massive production and millions of people will be tuning in. I'm going to be wearing my lucky underpants on the night, that's for sure, and I'll be tapping Tess up for some tips in these next few weeks."

Vernon was in Liverpool earlier this month as he brought his Radio 2 sounds of the 90s to the Liverpool Olympia. The DJ spoke to the ECHO ahead of the and and lifted the lid on how him and Tess juggle their busy personal and professional lives.

He said: "Family life comes first. Everything else is secondary. We've got to make sure the kids are alright, make sure the dogs are fed, central heating is on a timer. We've got to make sure all that stuff is done before you can put on your sparkly frock and hit the town."

Vernon and Tess have been married for 21 years and they are the proud parents of two daughters. October was a big month for the family as their eldest daughter, Phoebe, celebrated her 20th birthday.

Vernon also celebrated his 50th birthday this year and admitted it's still sinking in he has a daughter in her 20s as he provided an insight into his family life. He told the ECHO: "I can't believe I've got a 20 year old daughter, but I do actually like having a 20-year-old daughter because she's at that age where she asks, 'Can you get me on a guest list?' and I'm like, 'I'll try, but you've got to remember that I'm coming as well'.

"She's been fortunate enough that she's met a few DJs she likes who I have friends in common with so that's been quite sweet." However, Vernon joked that getting his daughter into parties does not bolster his credentials in her eyes. He joked: "I don't think any dad will ever be a cool dad. It'll always just be dad."

Vernon and Tess still possess their youthful looks and its hard to believe they are both in their 50s. The host explained he thinks a positive mindset and looking after your mental health is the secret to staying young.

He said: "My outlook on life is you've got what you've been given and you've got to make the best of it. I think if you try and stay positive between your ears it makes a massive difference.

"We do a lot of talking. I talk a lot to my mates as well. My WhatsApp group is always going off with conversations about this, that or the other.

"Once you can get, not necessarily your dirty laundry, but once you can get the white noise out of the way, you can enjoy yourself." Children In Need gets underway at 7pm on BBC One