The BBC's The One Show is celebrating its 20th anniversary this month, and fans have been reminded of the programme's original presenters, Adrian Chiles and Nadia Sawalha, who hosted the first episodes.
The show, which has featured celebrities such as Tom Hanks, Cher, Kate Winslet and Tom Jones on its green sofa, was initially commissioned for a four-week trial run. Adrian Chiles and Nadia Sawalha presented those first episodes back in 2006.
Fans react to rediscovered clip
On X, a user unearthed the opening scene of the very first episode, prompting reactions from viewers who were unaware of Nadia's role. In the clip, Adrian welcomed viewers, saying: "Welcome to the very first One Show, live from the heart of the UK. Every day for the next four weeks, we'll be telling all manner of stories. Good ones, funny ones, happy ones, sad ones, about all sorts of people all over the country."
Nadia added: "I promise you that by the time we're done, there won't be a nook or cranny of this spectre dial we haven't had a poke around in." The post was captioned: "I never knew Nadia Sawalha hosted the first year of The One Show?!! I wonder if she'll be back for its 20th anniversary?"
Presenter history
Nadia presented the show for its four-week run before being replaced by Myleene Klass and later Christine Lampard, before Alex Jones took over and has remained a staple for 16 years. Commenting on the post, one person said: "Was a pilot series, then Myleene Klass replaced Nadia when it went full-time, then Christine Bleakley came in. Wonder if Chris Evans, Jason Manford or Jermaine Jenas will make an appearance."
Another added: "God, it feels like Alex Jones has been there foreeeeeeeeever." A third commented: "She did the four-week pilot, before it became 'always on' the following year. I'm sure she was replaced by Mylene for a few weeks and then Christine."
Alex Jones on the show's appeal
Speaking about her long-running role, Alex said: "I can't believe it. Ultimately, it's not about us who host it. The show itself is an institution, and it's really found a way into people's hearts. Especially since the pandemic I think, it's become part of Britain's daily routine. People switch on at 7pm and they know that they will get really good guests but also there's always interesting VTs or we’re out around the UK celebrating individuals who've done something amazing in their community. It's impossible to turn The One Show on and say I hate everything. I just don’t believe that you can."
The One Show is available to watch weekdays on BBC One from 7pm.
