Current host Alex Jones – who joined the show way back in 2010 – said: “I remember my first show like it was last week. In many ways it feels like I’ve been here a matter of months, not 16 years, because time flies.
“Mum and Dad came along and they were nervous thinking, “Don’t mess this up, is she ready for this?” Whoopi Goldberg was a guest and she was very sweet. I had never met a film star before so meeting her was incredible. It felt like home – it felt like second nature in a way.”
And her favourite moments?
“There’s so many. I love 500 Words. This year it felt even more special because we were in Windsor Castle, which is absolutely gorgeous, with Her Majesty The Queen and we had Paddington singing. I had an out of body feeling because I thought it really doesn’t get any better than this.
“When I was a little girl growing up in South Wales, I thought I’d like to be a presenter but I was too scared to say anything because nobody in South Wales became broadcasters, especially not on national television. I really thought about that little girl that day and thought, ‘I can’t believe that this is what I do for a job’.”
Has she ever been starstruck?
“I’m not naturally a person who gets starstruck, which I think is just as well because otherwise, I’m not sure I could do this job because the calibre of guests we get is outstanding. It’s been people like Dolly Parton that make me go ‘Wow.’ I just absolutely love Dolly and admire her so much. Her longevity and her way of staying relevant is remarkable,” said Alex.
“She’s as nice as you’d want her to be too. I think that always wins me over when someone is even nicer in the flesh than you had hoped. Also, Kylie and Jason Donovan. I had them on my wall as a kid when they got married on ‘Neighbours’ so that gave me a real, ‘oh my goodness, is this my job?’ feeling.
“Same with Sir Elton John. Every holiday we went on we’d have his music on and I had posters on my walls, so having him on the show was a dream. I invited mum and dad along the day Sir Elton was on too.”
Another regular presenter on The One Show is Radio 4 “Desert Island Discs” host, Sunderland-born Lauren Laverne who recalled her own favourite moments on the hit show.
She said: “I did an interview with Sir Paul McCartney in the National Gallery before it opened after refurbishment, and we were looking at the photos he took of the first Beatles tour in America, which was just unbelievable.
“Interviewing David Hockney, who was an absolute national icon, being in the studio with the cast of ‘The Devil Wears Prada’, which is such an important film for my family. I have so many brilliant memories.
Also, the fun we have working with Nikki Fox and Matt Allright, who do such a brilliant job on ‘Watchdog’ every week. They are just hysterical – they know everything and whenever I’ve got a problem with my mobile phone provider or something, I’m on the phone to Matt or Nikki – but they’re so much fun as well.”
And what is she most proud of?
“I’m proud that the show makes people happy. I want to make things that feel constructive and The One Show really does,” added Lauren. “It has a lot of heart, it’s fun and silly, as well as being meaningful and serious at times. It’s got that whole package.”
MEET the Hawkins – the latest family to dare tread the Albert Square cobbles in EASTENDERS (BBC1 and iPlayer).
The estranged family of Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington), they are due to arrive later this summer and will no doubt soon be wishing they hadn’t bothered!
Well known actors Jamie Bamber (Beyond Paradise and Law and Order) plays Ned Hawkins with Holby City star Patricia Potter as his wife Gemma and Felix Uff as their son Ryder. They will also be joined by well known actress Marian McLoughlin, who plays Rose, and Anna Constable as Jodie.
Jamie said: “When 12-year-old me rushed home from school in 1985 to catch the very first episode of EastEnders, I could never have dreamed that one day I’d be walking onto the iconic Albert Square as a character myself. It’s a privilege I don’t take lightly, and I’m thrilled to be making my mark on this crown jewel of my beloved BBC” while Marian added: “I feel so lucky to be joining such a brilliant cast and I can’t wait for the viewers to meet the Hawkins family. Now in my 70s, this is an opportunity I never expected, and I am incredibly grateful to be part of such a cherished drama”.
Let the mayhem commence!
Well, that’s it from me this week – catch you next time for some more TV chatter – stay safe!
Author: Steve
Editor of Hartlepool Life and author of TV Life