The One Show's Alex Jones and Roman Kemp are stunned as 20th anniversary special is interrupted by emergency wildfire phone alert with confused hosts mistaking it for a fire alarm

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By CONNIE RUSK, ASSOCIATE SHOWBUSINESS EDITOR

Published: 15:21 EDT, 14 August 2026 | Updated: 16:18 EDT, 14 August 2026

The One Show's 20th anniversary special was interrupted on Friday night by the government's emergency wildfire alert. 

The alert was sent to mobile phones across the country at 7pm warning against lighting anything that could spark a wildfire, including barbecues, campfires and fireworks. 

As phones began to ring throughout the studio, host Alex Jones, 49, who clearly did not know the alarm would be issued, said: 'You couldn't make that up could you.

'I think that's the fire alarm...I'm doing my best to keep a straight face. But we continue', while her co-host Roman Kemp, 33, looked equally as confused.

It is the largest ever use of the technology since the emergency alert system was introduced in 2023. 

The alert said: 'There is a very high risk of wildfires nationally.

The One Show's 20th anniversary special was interrupted on Friday night by the government's emergency wildfire alert

'Residents, landowners and visitors should not undertake any activity that could start a fire, including disposable barbecues, fire pits, garden incinerators or fireworks.

'Even a small flame can rapidly develop into a major wildfire placing lives, homes, businesses and emergency responders at risk.'

Roman later clarified: 'As you will probably be aware that was actually a wildfire alert on everyone’s phones.

'You would have heard it on the opening of our show, but as always we hope everyone is staying safe, of course.'

Andy Burnham wrote on X:  '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. 

'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. 

'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.'

The emergency alert warned that even small flames could 'rapidly develop into a major wildfire'. 

The Government called in the army and banned disposable barbecues to help tackle wildfires as 'tinderbox' Britain continued to swelter in a heatwave today. 

As phones began to ring throughout the studio, host Alex Jones, who clearly did not know the alarm would be issued, said: 'You couldn't make that up could you'

The alert was sent to mobile phones across the country at 7pm warning against lighting anything that could spark a wildfire, including barbecues, campfires, and fireworks

Despite the setback, the show continued without a hitch 

During the show, Christine Lampard, Matt Baker and Tom Grennan joined Alex and Roman to celebrate the biggest names, favourite stories and greatest moments from the two decades

Around 100 firefighters tackled the inferno which broke out near Stourbridge golf course

Smoke continues to rise from Stourbridge this morning after the devastating wildfires

Paramedics treated 54 people in the West Midlands, with 19 admitted to hospital, after several wildfires broke out yesterday during Britain's fifth warmest day on record.

Some 19 homes were fully destroyed and 18 damaged by a major wildfire which spread across 500 acres in Stourbridge, injuring six people including three firefighters.

During the show, Christine Lampard, Matt Baker and Tom Grennan joined Alex and Roman to celebrate the biggest names, favourite stories and greatest moments from the last two decades.