Gethin Jones has said “life is complicated” as he issued an update on the future of Morning Live. The Welsh presenter, 48, is returning to screens alongside the likes of Helen Skelton as the BBC daytime programme returns from Monday, August 31.
Special programming week
Before the live shows, however, a week of special programming begins from Monday, August 24, with a new series of Top Tips and Best Bits. Alongside lifestyle hacks, including “if you could be owed money for unclaimed premium bonds and whether there is a correct way to stack a dishwasher”, Gethin revealed the show would include some behind-the-scenes snippets.
During BBC Breakfast, an hour before the Morning Live special began, Gethin spoke to hosts Ben Thompson and Sally Nugent. He shared: “Never done it before, Top Tips and Best Bits all this week. Basically, a show derived by our viewers to look back at some of the content that’s had the biggest influence on their lives over the last few years.”
Behind the scenes and pranks
Ben said: “And Gethin, it is live TV when you make your show. It doesn’t always go to plan, so you’re going to give people a bit of a glimpse into what goes on behind the cameras as well.”
Gethin replied: “As you know Ben, over the last five or six years, we’ve all become really good friends on the show and some enjoy a prank. Anna Haugh, one of our chefs from MasterChef, she enjoys a bit of a prank.” The star recalled one moment that left viewers in hysterics when Gethin was served an apple pie full of chilli live on-air.
He went on: “As you well know, it’s important to have a bit of light along with the shade. Life is complicated and serious sometimes, so we try to have a bit of a laugh along the way.”
Commonwealth Games role
Morning Live’s return comes after Gethin debuted his new role, and was widely celebrated by fans. The presenter had previously announced he would be the Chef de Mission for the Welsh team taking part in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in recent weeks, having spent a year training for the role, including a Master's degree in Sports Directorship.
In a recent post on social media, Gethin shared: "I have taken a big breath and I still don’t know what pics to post or how to sum it all up! @glasgow_2026 Commonwealth Games put together in 18 months with care, purpose and ambition. Some incredible highs, and of course the lows that come with top level sport. We all live, love and feel all the moments!
"I’ve learned over the years that you can have a laugh and take your job seriously. In fact, when doing something as intense as this, I think it’s essential! I was part of a solution focussed Senior Leadership Team that had the interest of the athletes at the forefront of their thinking. Big, important, sensitive decisions being made throughout the day everyday. We did not go to bed the same day we got up. The 11.30pm “end of day debrief” were integral to the plan. We would always finish the meeting on a high with a laugh.
"I am grateful to the brilliant @becsym and the board for trusting me in this role! A once in a lifetime experience (well, maybe!), and an honour to stand beside the most honest, determined and passionate people… our athletes!" Followers rushed to share their support, as one wrote: “Best chef Wales could have asked for!” while another said: “Awesome mate! What an experience, congrats.”
Morning Live airs daily from 9.30am on BBC One and iPlayer.
