The One Show has gone off air for four weeks as BBC bosses make room for major sporting events including Wimbledon and the World Cup. Presenters Alex Jones and JB Gill informed viewers on Friday that the episode was their last for a while.
Presenters Announce Hiatus
At the start of the show, Alex Jones said: "Now it is our last show before we take a four-week break. So tonight we’re gonna be celebrating some of the highlights of the year so far." After a chat with Pointless star Alexander Armstrong, JB Gill added: "As we mentioned earlier tonight on the show. It’s our last show before we take a break for four weeks to make way for more incredible sport, including Wimbledon."
The summer break is a regular occurrence for the program, which typically pauses in June and July for sports coverage.
Broader BBC Schedule Shake-Up
The hiatus is part of a larger BBC schedule overhaul that also affects BBC Breakfast. According to reports, the corporation has proposed £800 million in cuts as part of the first stage of the shake-up, with plans to reduce content by 550 hours across TV and radio. BBC Breakfast will stop airing on Sunday mornings from September, and staff from Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg and Newsnight will be merged to save money.
Radio 4's The World Tonight, a fixture for 56 years, is reportedly another victim of the cuts. Director General Matt Brittin told staff that the BBC will do its best to save jobs amid the changes.
Final Show Guests
On the last episode before the break, Alex and JB welcomed Gavin and Stacey stars Joanna Page and Matthew Horne, as well as former tennis star Annabel Croft. Annabel shared news of becoming a grandmother again, saying: "I do! She's called Cosima and she's about three weeks old and she's absolutely gorgeous. She's so delicate and beautiful, and I'm loving being Gran-Annabel!" Alex replied: "Gran-Annabel! It's a good job you didn't bring her because, with me and Joanna here, you would never of seen her again!" Joanna added: "I'd have swept her off, given her cwtches!" JB concluded: "Aw, I love that title Gran-Annabel as well."
