Vernon Kay reflected on breaking down in tears discussing Children In Need as he shared 'it's ok for men to cry'.

The 50-year-old presenter is set to host the show for the first time on Friday night and the day before he began crying when BBC Radio 2 listeners shared their own Children In Need stories in support of Paddy McGuinness' Ultra Endurance Challenge for the charity.

Discussing the moment on BBC Breakfast, host Naga Munchetty asked Vernon how he is going to hold it together whilst hosting the charity event.

He replied: 'What I learned last year doing my little run, You can’t bottle it up, it’s healthier to let it go, so there will be tears and I think we are in an age when it’s ok for grown men to cry.

'I think the stigma around that has gone. Forget that.' 

Last year, while completing his 115-mile Ultra ULTRA Marathon challenge, Vernon wept after hearing support from an avid listener, Barbara, who wrote a 'heartfelt' letter to him when he first took over Ken Bruce's show.

Barbara sent her message to Richie Anderson - who was covering Vernon's Radio 2 show during his epic ultramarathon challenge for Children In Need 2023.

The message read: 'Hello, Vernon. It's Barbara. Now I just wanted to send you lots and lots of encouragement, on running your ultra ultramarathon. Wow.

'But I know you can do it. Now if it gets tough, just think of all the smiling faces of the children you're helping.

'I'm so proud of you. Now I wish I could be there to cheer you on, but I shall be there in spirit. 

'So, just lift up those feet and keep going. And I'm sending you lots of hugs, take care.'

As soon as Vernon realised it was his friend Barbara he became overwhelmed with emotion and burst into tears.

When Ritchie asked if he was okay, Vernon took a moment to compose himself.

He said: 'That's Barbara who wrote me a letter after I'd been on air for a month. And she said thank you for bringing an old lady into the light. And it's had a massive effect on me that letter.

'It's probably one of the most heartfelt letters anyone could ever write. Oh that's done me that. I didn't want to cry until Friday.

'We've got so many special people associated with this show.

'And Barbara, I think, Barbara represents so many people in Great Britain who feel like they're, you know, either homebound or just a little bit trapped.'

Vernon continued: 'But when she wrote that letter - all we do on the radio is just talk and we try and relate to people and, oh man, you've done me there, proper done me.

'But yeah, God bless you Barbara, thank you very much for your message it means a lot.'

Vernon managed to raise over £6 million for Children In Need last year which will go towards supporting children and young people in the UK who are facing disadvantages.

Children in Need airs at 7pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Friday