Vernon Kay, says Smash Hits magazine was his main source of ‘fashion inspiration’ while growing up in Horwich, after being announced as host for new ITV fashion show ‘M&S: Dress The Nation.

Vernon will host the show, which has been described as a ‘nationwide search’ for M&S’ next fashion designer, alongside Blackburn’s AJ Odudu.

The winner of the series will be offered an in-house junior designer role with M&S which will be built around their skillset and experience.

Vernon, 50, said the show will give one lucky person “the opportunity of a lifetime”.

He said: “It is a huge gig to be a designer at Marks & Spencer and in itself is a huge accomplishment.

"But the fact that we are going to follow the journey of our ten designers from coming into our design studio, making their initial outfits and their designs, to actually being employed by M&S and having an office in their headquarters, it's quite amazing when you think about it.

Vernon KayVernon Kay (Image: ITV)

"If you look at shows very similar to this, no one wins a cake shop, no one wins a business, no one wins the opportunity to step out of what they are doing one day and then the following day wakes up in your brand new office. It’s amazing."

Vernon said it was “inspiring” to watch contestants commit to a goal.

He said: “Were there any moments from the show that really inspired you? I think it’s inspiring when you watch people commit to a goal when they’ve set themselves a target.

“I think what we learn from this show is certain people set out with a plan and stuck with it, and certain people set out with a plan and stepped away from it or diverted from it and that kind of tripped [them] up.

“I think it’s a lesson in life, really. Once you get your teeth into something just go for it!”

Vernon also shared some of his own fashion advice and revealed some of his wardrobe staples.

He said: “If you were to ask my wife, Tess Daly, she would give completely different answers to me.

“I love a casual jogger and a hoodie. I always think you have to have good shoes and a decent pair of trousers or jeans.

“I am one of those people that buy more than one thing if I like it because I am always scared that it will get sold out or discontinued. I like a nice cosy t-shirt. I think I am an occasion person.

“I have a nice tuxedo for weddings, funerals, and bat mitzvahs. Then I switch it up with a different shirt or tie. I have a lounge suit for all other occasions and casual. It’s just what I feel comfortable in.”

Vernon says his idea of fashion has changed since doing a stint of modelling.

He said: “I realised style is personal and fashion changes. So if you can integrate your own personal style with whatever the fashion is, then you're on to a winner.

“I think people get confused between style and fashion.”

The former St Mary's RC Primary School pupil said most of his “fashion faux pas” happened when he used to go out raving.

He said: “I used to think I was a member of Take That. So whatever Take That wore, I wore and I didn’t have the muscular physique of Howard or Jason, so it didn’t really work.”

Vernon also says his ‘fashion hell’ is skinny jeans.

He said: “Skinny jeans for me are a nightmare. Whose idea were they? Absolutely disgusting!

“Maybe skinny jeans were like the punk era of the 70s. I really hate the ones that don’t even touch the top of your ankle and I hate when people wear them with socks and sliders too, behave!

“My fashion heaven is a beautifully tailored suit. One where you go in and get measured up, and then you go back when they’ve cut it. That James Bond moment, it doesn’t really matter which James Bond it is! That gentleman's look is timeless."

The former St Joseph's RC High School pupil said he followed fashion trends in Smash Hits magazine when he was growing up.

He said: “My mum dressed us, fashion never came on the horizon until you got to high school and realised fashion is a thing.

“I guess it must be more difficult for kids these days because there are so many trends on social media.

“We only had Smash Hits magazine and we just followed what ‘bros’ wore! There was a period where transfers on the side of your jeans were a thing.”

Vernon said his co-host, AJ, is an “absolute joy” and professional.

He said: “She is a laugh! When you connect with someone, it’s not really work. It’s just a joy.

“AJ has her own personal’ swag’, which literally shakes the room.”

Throughout six episodes, 10 candidates will compete to secure a highly coveted in-house design role working alongside some of the best designers in the industry at M&S’ colleague support centre in London.

Over the course of the recruitment process, the 10 candidates will be set a series of briefs that will assess their design, problem-solving, commercialism, and collaboration skills. 

Each brief will be reflective of M&S’ design and product development process – from gathering insights to identifying key product trends to designing and developing original products.

Candidates will work out of a purpose-built design studio for the duration of the competition and work individually and in groups to design and create garments that will resonate with the M&S customers who are seeking style, versatility, value, and quality in their clothing choices. 

Each week a judging panel, made up of senior leaders at M&S alongside a rotation of celebrity guests and designers, will select which budding designers move forward to the next round and one step closer to being crowned the winner. 

M&S : Dress The Nation starts on ITV1 and ITVX on Tuesday 17th September at 8pm.