The 20th anniversary special episode of The One Show was unexpectedly interrupted on Friday night when the UK government sent a national emergency wildfire alert to mobile phones across the country at 7pm.
Studio mobile phones began ringing simultaneously as the live broadcast opened, leaving host Alex Jones, 49, and co-host Roman Kemp, 33, visibly confused by the sudden blaring alarms.
Jones, who did not know the public alert was scheduled to sound, reacted live on air to the distraction.
"You couldn't make that up could you," Jones said during the broadcast. "I think that's the fire alarm...I'm doing my best to keep a straight face. But we continue."
Kemp appeared equally baffled as the phone alerts sounded throughout the studio, but the presenters managed to keep the live anniversary broadcast going.
Despite the unexpected studio disruption, the anniversary broadcast continued without a hitch.
Anniversary Broadcast Guests
During the milestone episode, guest presenters and celebrities Christine Lampard, Matt Baker, and Tom Grennan joined Alex Jones and Roman Kemp in the studio. Together, the group looked back to celebrate the biggest names, favourite stories, and greatest moments from the magazine show's last two decades on television.
Later in the broadcast, Kemp addressed viewers directly to explain the source of the loud ringing heard at the top of the program.
"As you will probably be aware that was actually a wildfire alert on everyone’s phones," Kemp clarified. "You would have heard it on the opening of our show, but as always we hope everyone is staying safe, of course."
National Emergency Wildfire Alert
The government alert issued at 7pm represents the largest ever deployment of the emergency broadcast technology since its introduction in 2023.
The push notification warned citizens that there is a very high risk of wildfires nationally across Britain as heatwave conditions persist.
"Residents, landowners and visitors should not undertake any activity that could start a fire, including disposable barbecues, fire pits, garden incinerators or fireworks," the emergency message read. "Even a small flame can rapidly develop into a major wildfire placing lives, homes, businesses and emergency responders at risk."
Devastating Fires and Government Response
The nationwide warning followed severe blazes in England and Wales as Britain sweltered through its fifth warmest day on record. In response to the escalating crisis, the UK government called in the army and banned disposable barbecues to help emergency services contain the blazes across the tinderbox landscape.
In Stourbridge, a major wildfire swept across 500 acres of land. The blaze fully destroyed 19 homes and damaged 18 others, while injuring six people, including three firefighters.
Around 100 firefighters tackled the inferno near the Stourbridge golf course. Smoke continued to rise from the area this morning after the devastating wildfires, as emergency crews monitored hot spots.
Across the West Midlands, paramedics treated 54 people following several outbreak fires yesterday, with 19 individuals admitted to hospital for treatment.
Political leaders urged the public to heed the official warnings. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham shared a message on X explaining that the alert request came directly from Fire and Rescue Services.
"This evening, an Emergency Alert has been sent to people across England and Wales as the wildfire risk remains very high. The request came directly from Fire and Rescue Services," Burnham wrote on X, noting he had visited Stourbridge to inspect damage.
"I was in Stourbridge today and saw first-hand the devastating impact these fires have had on people's homes and lives. Our priority now is to keep everyone safe and prevent more fires from starting," Burnham added. "Our firefighters and emergency responders are working around the clock in incredibly difficult conditions. We can all help them. Please take the Emergency Alert seriously and follow the guidance in place."
