John Cleese left Roman Kemp, Lauren Laverne and his fellow guests flustered with an awkward live exchange on The One Show.
Tuesday evening's episode of the BBC's flagship magazine show featured a typically random selection of guests, with The Wanted's Jay McGuinness, Love Island star Shakira Khan, food critic and MasterChef judge Grace Dent and Cleese all sat on the green sofa.
Awkward name comparison
Early in the episode, the show's guests were introduced, with Cleese continuing to clap longer than his fellow contributors and Kemp joking: “Keep going John, I like it.”
The comedian replied: “Very nice, I enjoyed it. I like this show. What's your name?”
Kemp said that his name was Roman, with Cleese replying: “I’ve only known one Roman: Roman Polanski.”
Cleese worked with director Polanski on the 2023 film The Palace, which was a critical and commercial fail largely overshadowed by the sexual abuse controversies surrounding Polanski.
Awkwardly smiling, Kemp said: “He’s another famous Roman, indeed.”
“Another famous Roman,” Cleese echoed, then pointing to Laverne: “And your friend, what’s her name?”
The 6 Music presenter said her name, with Cleese saying: “That's a nice name too. Very good. Well I’m very happy to be on the show.”
Hosts move on quickly
“You're most welcome. We’re very grateful to have you,” Kemp said, as Laverne stared down the camera, then swiftly moved the episode along while her co-host awkwardly tittered.
The One Show is currently celebrating 20 years on air, with Alex Jones and Roman Keating joining Kemp and Laverne as the show's regular presenters.
Last week, presenter Jones opened up about the “guilt” she feels as a result of her role on the show.
“Presenting The One Show is my dream job. I still can’t believe how lucky I am,” the mother-of-three said. “But something always has to give. I always have mum guilt.”
The Welsh presenter said that she still felt like she was “paddling away furiously under the surface”, adding: “But then, everyone is.
“Everyone has worries and commitments and something that makes their life less straightforward. I don’t think we’ve cracked it and sometimes I feel like the balance is all wrong. But I do try my best.”
