BBC presenter Gethin Jones has reportedly received a warning after repeatedly wearing watches from a brand for which he is a paid ambassador, breaching the broadcaster's strict guidelines on product promotion. The 48-year-old host of Morning Live has been the face of Welsh jewellery brand Clogau for several years, but his on-air appearances wearing the company's watches have now drawn scrutiny.
Watches Worn Over 30 Times on Programme
According to reports, Jones wore a Clogau watch valued at £550 on more than 30 occasions during the past eight months, most recently on Wednesday. Another watch priced at £420 was also spotted. The BBC's editorial guidelines explicitly state that presenters 'must not appear on-air wearing clothing or using products or services which they have been contracted to promote'.
A source described the situation as 'completely unacceptable' to the Daily Mail, adding: 'Stars are blatantly flouting the rules. Clearly, there is not adequate monitoring. Gethin has worn these pieces for months now, unnoticed by producers and line managers.'
BBC Response and Reminder of Guidelines
A BBC Studios spokesperson told Metro: 'We have clear guidelines around presenters’ commercial activities while working with the BBC, and Gethin has been reminded of these guidelines.' Jones has been a prominent ambassador for Clogau, having opened a store for the brand in Bristol and appeared in their 2025 Christmas advert.
Similar Case: Shirley Ballas Reprimanded
The BBC recently reprimanded Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas for a similar breach. Ballas made a paid appearance on a show-themed cruise trip, reportedly earning over £10,000 to host the seven-day voyage from Southampton to Norway on the MSC Virtuosa. The cruise, with packages from £599 per person, advertised that Ballas would be 'bringing Strictly glamour' to the luxury liner. However, BBC guidelines prohibit promotional work that 'imitates, suggests a reference or connection to or passes off BBC content'.
Impact and Ongoing Monitoring
These incidents highlight ongoing challenges in monitoring presenter compliance with editorial standards. The BBC has reiterated its commitment to enforcing guidelines, but critics argue that more robust oversight is needed. Metro contacted Gethin Jones’s representative for comment on this story.
