The BBC has issued a reminder to Gethin Jones after the Morning Live presenter was spotted wearing watches from Clogau, a jewellery brand for which he serves as a long-standing ambassador. The broadcaster's guidelines prohibit presenters from wearing clothing or using products on-air that they have been contracted to promote.
Breach of BBC Guidelines
Jones, 48, who has co-hosted the daytime magazine show for over five years alongside Helen Skelton and Michelle Ackerley, reportedly wore multiple Clogau timepieces during episodes of Morning Live over the past eight months. According to the Mail on Sunday, these included a £550 model with a stainless-steel case and black bezel, a £420 watch with a polished stainless-steel case plated in gold and a black leather strap, and a stainless-steel watch with a textured black dial and contrasting silver-tone hands and numerals.
The Cardiff-born presenter, a former Blue Peter host, has been an ambassador for the Welsh heritage jewellery brand Clogau and has featured in several of its adverts. He even promoted a seasonal jewellery collection last Christmas alongside model Nikki Chislett, who was referred to as his Clogau 'wife'.
BBC Studios Response
A spokesperson for BBC Studios told WalesOnline: “We have clear guidelines around presenters' commercial activities while working with the BBC, and Gethin has been reminded of these guidelines.” The statement mirrors a similar response given last month when Monty Don, 70, was reprimanded for wearing a £300 Barbour jacket on Gardeners' World after appearing in an ad campaign for the company.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenge the BBC faces in enforcing its impartiality and commercial independence rules among its on-air talent. Morning Live airs on BBC One weekdays at 9:30 am and is also available on BBC iPlayer.
