The One Show presenter Alex Jones, who turns 49 today, is undertaking extensive renovations on a Georgian house in Berkshire she purchased spontaneously in 2024. The property, located near Tittenhurst Park, has a notable entertainment history, having been owned by John Lennon and Ringo Starr. Jones revealed she bought the house without her husband Charlie Thomson seeing it, as he was visiting family in New Zealand at the time.
The couple plan to add a garden annexe to create extra guest accommodation, with Jones noting it could serve as a temporary refuge 'when the going gets tough with the main build.' The property requires significant work due to 'care home chic' additions by previous elderly occupants, but Jones described the house's 'bones' as 'lovely.' The area is highly desirable, with average house prices in neighbouring Sunningdale reaching nearly £1.3 million.
Jones has adopted a cautious approach to the renovation, learning from past mistakes when rushing work on their former Chiswick home. 'We got really overexcited last time, did it all in a bit of a rush and then had to redo parts,' she told Homebuilding & Renovating magazine. The project includes restoring period features such as a concealed fireplace in the playroom and creating a more tranquil garden.
The renovation timeline may be affected by speculation linking Jones to a potential hosting role on Strictly Come Dancing this autumn. She is among several BBC presenters rumoured for the position, alongside Sara Cox, Mel Giedroyc and Zoe Ball. Meanwhile, Jones's husband Charlie Thomson has faced serious health challenges, including Lyme disease and viral meningitis, but is now recovering well with dietary changes.
