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Vernon Kay says EastEnders Shane Richie is a child after appearing on show with him

Vernon Kay has opened up about the influence Shane Richie had on his outlook, revealing the simple rule he now tries to live by

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Vernon Kay(Image: Getty)

Vernon Kay has revealed the unusual lesson he took away from spending time with Shane Richie and it seems the EastEnders star has no intention of growing up.

The presenter, who appeared alongside Richie during I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!, recalled the actor's mischievous sense of humour while explaining why he believes people should hold on to their childish side.

Vernon said a birthday card he spotted on his morning walk perfectly summed up his philosophy.

I get off the train every morning and I walk past the same birthday card shop. There's a Burger King, and there's a bagel shop and outside the card shop today, there's a great card. It just jumped off the shelf at me into my retina and just said, 'Don't grow up. It's a trap.' I'm having that.

He went on to argue that the simplest things can still make people laugh, regardless of their age.

Windy pop noises. They're just funny. You can't avoid them. It doesn't matter who you are, what you are, who you think you are or who you think you should be. Just funny.

[Vernon Kay on Radio 2]

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Vernon Kay on Radio 2(Image: BBC)

The presenter then turned his attention to the moment he believes adulthood really starts to take hold when household improvements become genuinely exciting.

The moment you start flicking through a catalogue that has bath taps and shower heads in it and you get excited, that's when you know you're taking the bait, he joked.

You know, you're taking the bait. 'Oh, look at this. It's got a multifunctional shower head. We'll have that.' No, don't. Don't.

Instead, Vernon suggested people should embrace their sillier side, recalling his experience with Richie in the jungle.

He said: Just go into the kitchen, put the kettle on, and just [makes flatulence sound] and it'll just put a smile on your face. It's dead simple, Shane Richie all over.

He added: That's what I learned in the castle when I did I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! Shane Richie is a child.

But despite describing the actor as immature, Vernon was clearly full of affection for his former campmate.

[Shane Ritchie]

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Shane Ritchie(Image: Getty Images)

But he's the funniest child you could ever wish to spend. I think a minute is bearable. Just funny.

Vernon's comments come as Richie, whose real name is Shane Roche, is due to appear in court next month charged with drink-driving.

The 62-year-old, best known for playing Alfie Moon in EastEnders, was arrested in Harlow after police were called to reports of a suspected drink-driver shortly before 11.20pm on July 29.

Essex Police said a charge of drink-driving was subsequently authorised against Roche, of Tadworth, Surrey. He is due to appear at Colchester Magistrates' Court on September 9.

Richie's representative has been contacted for comment.

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