BBC The One Show presenter Alex Jones has captivated audiences for 15 years, but behind the confident television persona lies a surprising truth. The 48-year-old broadcaster has confessed she was once a 'painfully shy' child who struggled to speak.
From Painful Shyness to Prime Time Television
Despite now interviewing A-list celebrities on the beloved BBC One programme, Alex's journey to the screen was unconventional. Her television career began whilst still at university, juggling final exams with an appearance on Sky One's reality series Prickly Heat in Magaluf.
Yet the Wales-born star describes herself as a natural introvert who battled extreme shyness throughout her school years. Speaking to Jaime Laing on the Great Company podcast, Alex revealed the depth of her childhood struggle.
A Childhood of Being 'Seen and Not Heard'
Alex explained that her parents, Mary and Alun, were young when she was born - her mother was just 23 and her father 25. She believes they 'didn't know how to parent' and employed a traditional 'kids should be seen and not heard' approach.
The television personality recalls being told to 'be quiet' during visits to friends' houses, an experience that had a profound impact. 'They say this now, mum's like, 'I'm so sorry I did that because actually you just shrank and became smaller and smaller' to the point where I was really struggling to speak at all even in school really,' Alex shared.
The Turning Point and Lasting Impact
Alex admits she 'couldn't find her voice' and found school assemblies and lessons terrifying. A significant change occurred around age 16 or 17 with the arrival of puberty. 'I was so small. I was like the skinniest and the shortest in my class and the quietest. And then, I suppose, puberty happens and everything kind of changed,' she explained.
Despite her successful career, Alex insists she remains shy and introverted, describing herself as a 'high-functioning one.' She acknowledges her husband Charlie Thomson has a completely opposite personality, often wanting to host gatherings while she prefers quiet Sundays alone.
Alex revealed that Charlie, whom she met at a fancy dress party, frequently 'holds her hand' as they arrive at events, which helps her cope. She confessed that attending premieres and parties with strangers still feels 'like hell' to her.
Alongside her regular presenting duties on The One Show, Alex will present Mary at 90: A Lifetime of Cooking, examining the life and career of former Great British Bake Off judge Mary Berry. The programme airs from 7.30pm on BBC Two.
