VE Day at 80
The programme marked 80 years since Victory in Europe Day with archive material, family memories and messages from listeners attending commemorative events.
Scott asked people to share stories passed down through families, particularly memories of the announcement, street parties and relatives returning home.
The tone balanced celebration with remembrance of those who had died and of the war continuing elsewhere after 8 May 1945.
Dermot O’Leary
Dermot O’Leary joined Scott for the anniversary programme.
He discussed the importance of hearing testimony from people who had lived through the war and preserving those accounts as the number of surviving witnesses declined.
The conversation covered family history, public commemorations and the way national events were remembered differently inside individual households.
Dermot also reflected on broadcasting during major anniversaries, where presenters needed to connect historical context with the personal stories listeners brought to the programme.
The interview included lighter memories of street parties and music while remaining grounded in the meaning of the day.
Dermot’s appearance linked the breakfast programme with Radio 2’s wider VE Day coverage, including Vernon Kay’s tea party later that morning.
Regular features
The Easiest Quiz and Birthday Game remained in the programme, surrounded by the anniversary material.
8 May 2025: Vernon Kay
Scott handed over to Vernon ahead of his VE Day Tea Party, featuring live music and stories from listeners and communities.
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