BBC presenter Lauren Laverne delivered a poignant and heartfelt tribute to the late comedy legend Mel Smith during Tuesday evening's episode of The One Show.
A Moment of Remembrance on Live TV
Laverne, who was co-hosting the popular BBC magazine programme with Roman Kemp on Tuesday, January 13, paused a conversation with guest Griff Rhys-Jones to honour his former comedy partner. Mel Smith, one half of the iconic duo Smith & Jones, tragically died of a heart attack in 2013 at the age of 60.
The touching moment arose as the panel discussed Rhys-Jones's upcoming West End role. He is set to star as ex-Prime Minister Jim Hacker in I'm Sorry, Prime Minister, a new satirical play at London's Apollo Theatre from January 30. The production is penned by Jonathan Lynn, the BAFTA-winning co-creator of Yes, Minister and Yes, Prime Minister.
Recalling a Legendary Live Aid Moment
Turning to Rhys-Jones, Lauren Laverne remarked on the significance of the roles and the comedy legacy. "[You] have big shoes to fill and who better to fill them because Yes, Minister has its place in comedy history, you know, so do you," she said. "Can you believe it was 40 years ago that you introduced Queen at Live Aid with your late comedy partner Mel Smith?"
The show then played footage of that historic 1985 moment, with Laverne noting that Smith's minimal preparation was typical of his style. Rhys-Jones responded with a characteristically humorous anecdote. "Well, what happened, we introduced Queen, and Queen would have been nothing if we hadn't of been there," he joked.
He fondly recalled Smith's effortless approach: "He arrived and said, 'What are we doing mate?' And I said, 'Oh look, here, look, say this when we go on,' and Mel goes, 'Okay, love,' and off we go." Laverne highlighted Smith's "photographic memory," which Rhys-Jones confirmed, saying his partner was "very, very quick on the uptake."
A Personal Memory and a Lasting Legacy
The conversation took a more personal turn as Rhys-Jones shared a bittersweet memory from immediately after the Live Aid introduction. "I remember it, of course 40 years ago, because as soon as we'd finished, he sat down and he went, 'Ah, well there we are mate, I'm off'. And I said, 'Mel! I skipped my child's christening to be here and you're leaving!'" He added that the memory now helps him remember exactly how old his son, George, is.
Co-host Roman Kemp wrapped up the segment, reflecting on the unique dynamic of classic comedy partnerships. "I always love hearing about those comedy partnerships and how they work together," he said.
Elsewhere in Tuesday's programme, guests Paddy McGuinness and Cherry Healey discussed the new series of Inside the Factory, while Gethin Jones reported live from Manchester Cathedral on an immersive light experience. The One Show airs weeknights on BBC One at 7pm.
