The BBC's The One Show 20th anniversary special was thrown into chaos just minutes in when a government wildfire alert interrupted the live broadcast, causing viewers to flood social media with complaints. Hosts Alex Jones and Roman Kemp were presenting the 7pm show when the alert sounded, with Alex initially believing it was a fire alarm.
Hosts interrupted by alert
As Roman revealed that Christine Lampard would return to the green sofa for the first time since 2010, the duo were cut off by the alert. Roman said: "We have some form of fire alarm going on, but we will continue."
Alex had earlier teased viewers with an exciting line-up, saying: "We will be revisiting some of our most memorable stories, bringing you heart-warming updates, a very special music performance, and we will be joined by some very familiar faces!"
Viewers react on social media
BBC fans took to social media, with one calling the alert the "most random The One Show energy". They wrote: "The emergency alert going off without warning round the country during the live The One Show 20th anniversary episode while on air including on everyone's phones at The One Show....is the most random The One Show energy thing to happen on The One Show ever."
Another tweeted: "#severeheat mobile alarm was heard on #theoneshow....and the presenters said it was a fire alarm.... So that worked well..." A third complained: "What the f***. Wow that nearly had a heart attack then it’s started going off on The One Show." They added: "I was so shocked I kicked the barbeque over... #severealert."
One viewer was surprised by the hosts' reactions, writing: "The One Show thought it was a fire alarm but then just sat there..." Others said they had a jumpscare and got distracted as they sat down to watch the show.
Alert clarified
As the programme continued, Roman clarified the confusion, telling viewers: "As you might be aware, it was a wildfire alert on the phones. I hope everybody stays safe." They then welcomed Christine Lampard to the green sofa to revisit some of the first reports she did on the show.
The severe alert was issued by the UK Government, with millions of Brits receiving the message: "There is a very high risk of wildifres nationally. Residents, landowners and visitors should not undertake any activity that could start a fire, including disposable barbecues, firepits, garden incincerators or fireworks. Even a small flame can rapidly develop into a major wildlife placing lives, homes, businesses and emergency responders at risk."
