An episode of The One Show on BBC One took an amusingly awkward turn when comedian Michael McIntyre was caught red-handed using his mobile phone during a discussion about the virtues of switching off.
An Awkward Studio Moment
During the Friday night broadcast on 16 January 2026, hosts Clara Amfo and JB Gill were joined by guests Michael McIntyre, 49, and Claire Foy, star of The Crown. The show had just aired a feature on old-school entertainment making a comeback as people seek to spend less time on smartphones.
As the live conversation began, McIntyre was visibly distracted, looking down at his phone rather than at the camera. Spotting this, host Clara Amfo swiftly intervened. "Hang on a minute... hang on a minute, Michael!" she exclaimed.
The comedian looked up, feigning innocence. "What? What is going on? Sorry, I'm just finishing up, I'm playing a game!" he replied. Amfo was quick with a witty retort, referencing the segment they had just seen: "Have you not heard? Digital phones are going on the decline, we're going analogue baby!"
Analogue vs. Digital Debate Sparks
McIntyre jokingly defended his digital habit, responding, "Analogue? Nonsense! Phones where it's at, we're all looking for viral clips, come on!" before finally pocketing the device.
In contrast, his fellow guest Claire Foy admitted she was nostalgic for a less connected era. "I remember when it was a thing, I was alive then and it was really great!" she said. McIntyre pointed out, "It wasn't called analogue life then, it was just called life!" adding that "we were free" and "life was simple."
"And now you're stuck on your phone!" Clara Amfo quipped back at the comedian, highlighting the irony of the situation.
Foy also revealed her own approach to digital life, sharing that she chooses not to have any social media accounts. She confessed she does occasionally Google herself, but only when drunk, quipping that it's the "best time to do it."
What's Next for McIntyre?
The light-hearted studio incident came just ahead of the return of McIntyre's own programme. Michael McIntyre's Big Show is set to return for its ninth season on Saturday 17 January 2026 on BBC One.
The new episode, filmed at London's Theatre Royal Drury Lane, promises an evening of comedy and music. It will feature Peter Crouch and Abbey Clancy surprising a member of the public, rugby star Joe Marler on the Midnight Gameshow, and comedian Romesh Ranganathan having his memory tested. Music will be provided by Melanie C.
The One Show continues on weekdays at 7pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
