Vernon Kay has revealed that he's set to make a major change to his upcoming BBC Radio 2 show as Oasis make their long-awaited return to Manchester.

The broadcaster was among the first to see Noel and Liam Gallagher back together on stage for the first time in more than 15 years last week in Cardiff.

The brothers, who hail from Burnage, Greater Manchester, were back on stage together for the first time in over a decade after confirming last year that they were back together, saying: "The guns have fallen silent. The stars have aligned. The great wait is over."

It was at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, where Oasis made their long awaited return to the stage, playing a whopping 23 songs from their impressive back catalogue, including Roll With It, Stand By Me, Wonderwall, Champagne Supernova and Don't Look Back in Anger.

But the best could be yet to come as the Oasis Live '25 Tour will next head to the band's hometown of Manchester for five gigs at Heaton Park, between Friday, July 11, and Wednesday, July 16.

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When Friday arrives, as Manchester prepares for Oasis' big homecoming gig at Heaton Park, it has been revealed that Vernon will be backstage setting the scene with some very special guests.

With Noel and Liam continuing the most talked about reunion tour of modern times, Vernon will hear some amazing stories from people who witnessed the Oasis phenomenon first-hand - those who worked with them, for them and alongside them; those who were influenced by them, and those who can shed light on arguably the greatest cultural phenomenon of recent years.

Guests are set to include contemporary musicians John Power from Cast and Clint Boon from Inspiral Carpets, as well as those who worked with Oasis along the way, such as Dylan White their first plugger and Brian Cannon who designed the iconic Definitely Maybe cover.

Even Mr Sifter – the record shop owner immortalised by Shakermaker – will be making an appearance!

Vernon will also speak to listeners on how Oasis literally changed their lives – chance meetings at Knebworth that led to new relationships, new careers and new life journeys.

Bolton-born Vernon has said: "What an absolute buzz to be going back to Manchester and present my Radio 2 show in celebration of the Oasis’ homecoming gig. It’s truly an honour and a privilege.

"Growing up in the Greater Manchester area, I spent many nights walking the streets of that great city, socialising with friends and family. It holds so many memories and to be able to recount those memories by interviewing people who were there at the start of Oasis will be an absolute thrill, and an energetic show from start to finish.

"We can expect some surprises, some great stories, and of course great music from the ultimate band of the decade."

Meacnhwile, back in Manchester city centre, presenter Ellie Brennan will be out and about reporting from some of the iconic locations in the Oasis story, and hearing from the fans en route to Heaton Park about how much this gig means to them.Plus, listeners will also get to hear the voices of Noel and Liam throughout the show, as they select - via the magic of the BBC Archive - some of their favourite tunes.

Vernon has already had a preview of what Manchester fans can expect. Sharing his thoughts after heading to the first show in Cardiff, Vernon, 51, told Zoe Ball on Saturday (July 5): "To be honest with you, three of four songs in, and I'm going to say this, nobody is going to be disappointed.

"Nobody is going to be upset because, 'Oh, Liam's not sounding great', Liam Gallagher last night sounded absolutely brilliant, superb! He was excellent, it was like the Liam of 96, he was so good. He didn't shout, he sang the lyrics and his voice was magnificent.

"It was the Liam Gallagher that we know, we love, we admire, and we'd like a night out with."

He went on to add: "I believe that Liam has been looking after his voice because he wants everyone to have a really good time, and with all the hoo-ha about the tickets, it was worth every single penny and yes I did pay for my ticket."