Alex Jones: 'Too Scared' as Girl to Dream of TV Career

Alex Jones, presenter of BBC's The One Show, has revealed that as a young girl growing up in Ammanford, Carmarthenshire, she was 'too scared' to admit she wanted to work in television, believing such a career was impossible for someone from south Wales. The 49-year-old broadcaster, who has hosted the flagship magazine show since 2010, shared these reflections ahead of the show's 20th anniversary celebrations. Jones recalled being fired from two television jobs after university before landing her first break at age 21. She impressed in an audition for BBC Choice, the BBC's first digital channel, and later presented for the Welsh language channel S4C. Jones also recounted a poignant moment presenting from Windsor Castle, where she thought of her younger self in disbelief at her career. The One Show marks two decades on air this month with a week of special programmes, featuring Jones and co-host Roman Kemp leading studio coverage, with segments from across Wales, Scotland, England, and Northern Ireland. Jones attributes the show's enduring success to its variety, noting that audiences appreciate the mix of blockbuster guests, nature films, and features like the 500 Words writing competition. She believes the show will always have a place as a solid start to the evening.