Presenters of BBC's The One Show paused Tuesday's broadcast to deliver a moving tribute to beloved comedy star Mel Smith, marking four decades since his iconic appearance at Live Aid.
A Poignant Moment on the Sofa
Hosts Lauren Laverne and Roman Kemp dedicated a segment of the January 13th episode to honour the late television icon, who tragically died of a heart attack in 2013 at age 60. The tribute emerged during a conversation with guest Griff Rhys-Jones, Smith's former comedy partner.
Laverne noted the significance of the upcoming anniversary, remarking to Rhys-Jones: "Can you believe it was 40 years ago that you introduced Queen at Live Aid with your late comedy partner Mel Smith?" The show then played footage of the legendary 1985 moment where the duo introduced the rock band to the Wembley Stadium crowd.
Griff Rhys-Jones's Fond Memories
Rhys-Jones, who is preparing to star in the new West End production I'm Sorry, Prime Minister at London's Apollo Theatre from January 30, shared humorous anecdotes about Smith's famously relaxed approach. "Queen would have been nothing if we hadn't of been there," he joked.
He recalled Smith's minimal preparation: "Mel rehearsed for three seconds with me. He arrived and said, 'What are we doing mate?'... and off we go." Laverne highlighted Smith's photographic memory, which Rhys-Jones confirmed, saying his partner was "very, very quick on the uptake."
The comedian also shared a personal memory from immediately after their Live Aid appearance. "As soon as we'd finished, he sat down and he went, 'Ah, well there we are mate, I'm off'. And I said, 'Mel! I skipped my child's christening to be here and you're leaving!'" Rhys-Jones added that the memory helps him remember exactly how old his son George is today.
Celebrating a Lasting Legacy
Co-host Roman Kemp wrapped the emotional segment by reflecting on the unique nature of such comedy partnerships. The tribute underscored Mel Smith's enduring place in British entertainment history, coming exactly 40 years after one of his most publicly remembered moments.
Elsewhere in Tuesday's episode, guests included Paddy McGuinness and Cherry Healey discussing the new series of Inside the Factory, while Gethin Jones reported live from Manchester Cathedral on an immersive light experience.
The One Show continues to air weeknights on BBC One at 7pm.
