has slammed the current state of Britain as ‘absolute garbage’ amid the crisis.
The TV star, 48, has also called for families to be given more accessible opportunities to do things together, as he prepares to take to the stage in panto this Christmas.
Vernon is set to star as Dandini in the pantomime Cinderella at the Wycombe Swan Theatre in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, in December, something he believes has the ability to unite people.
Reflecting on the ability of panto to bring families together in tough times, the radio host said: ‘I think we need to assess where our mental health is as a nation with everything that’s going on.
‘I try not to watch the news, because when I leave after that half-hour of television, I feel so depressed. I feel so down in the dumps, because at the moment it’s nothing but bad news.’
Detailing the current state of affairs, he continued: ‘The war, the energy crisis, food banks are empty, the volume of people requiring a food bank is going up, the pound is collapsing, the government’s in turmoil. It’s just absolute garbage.’
The former All Star Family Fortunes presenter said there ‘needs to be something’ that people can do ‘together’ that ‘separates us from reality’ because everything is ‘c**p at the moment.’
Suggesting further investment in parks and public spaces, and offering kids free access to drama lessons, he aded: ‘Stuff where we do activities with families together, but also stuff that just separates us for an hour or two hours every week, out of reality, because that’s what we need, because it’s just c**p at the moment.’
Vernon went on to call for the government to do more for those on lower wages, as the Conservatives propose ‘tax breaks for the rich and wealthy.’
‘I’m just like, “Are you kidding me?”,’ he asked, questioning why there aren’t ‘tax breaks for those that need them the most, those who go out and graft every single day.’
‘They are the backbone of Great Britain,’ he declared.
Elsewhere, ahead of making his panto debut, Vernon revealed he has been on an ’emotional rollercoaster’ since landing the part.
When he agreed to the part, the northern star admitted to feeling a sense of ‘imposter syndrome’ after witnessing the performances of other cast members.
He felt ‘really apprehensive’ after receiving the script, but he hopes his emotions will ‘all blend into one’ and allow him to put on the best show.
Naturally, due to their busy schedules, there might be some conflict between Vernon and wife
However, he credits good communication for being the key to their marriage, explaining that they have a ‘family forum’ where both Vernon and Tess, as well as their children, can ‘talk to each other.’
Vernon has been married to Strictly host Tess, 53, since 2003 and
He added: ‘Even though we’re in the entertainment industry, it’s still work, it’s still a job, so you just tackle it like anyone would really, calling in lots of favour from friends and family, get my parents down and see if they can look after the kids!’
Vernon Kay will star as Dandini in the Wycombe Swan Theatre production of Cinderella from December 9 to December 31.
