On Friday, The One Show took an uncharacteristically emotional turn as Alex Jones burst into tears on television.
It’s not often that Alex, 46, and her co-host Alex Scott, 39, burst into tears on the BBC programme, but an immensely touching video left Alex, 46, and her co-host Alex Scott, 39, unable to hold it together.
While discussing Children in Need, the duo presented The One Show’s Challenge Squad, a group of four remarkable young people who have benefited from the annual charity event and want to give something back.
Viewers then met Brianna, a 16-year-old from Ipswitch who is raising money for Children in Need by dancing live on television.
The adolescent has a rare chromosomal issue that affects her heart, bowels, and eyesight.
Brianna, whose parents were instructed to ‘prepare for the worst’ immediately after her birth, underwent open heart surgery at one week old, intestinal surgery at two weeks old, and six further corrective surgeries.
‘What scares me the most is not knowing how this is going to affect her in years to come,’ her mum told the cameras.
Brianna’s parents went on to explain how their daughter’s disease has affected her self-esteem and mental health.
Brianna’s father noted she has low self-confidence because of prior bullying, in addition to having restricted eyesight, dizziness caused by her heart difficulties, and mobility struggles owing to aches and pains.
‘She doesn’t think at times that she’s worthy, that she’s beautiful,’ he said, tearing up. ‘You never want your kid to feel like that.’
Brianna, a music aficionado and martial arts enthusiast, said she wishes she could ‘fit in’ and frequently ‘blames’ herself for her health problems.
But, because to Echo, a Children in Need-funded charity, she’s been able to overcome her loneliness and increase her feeling of self-worth, which is why she wants to express her gratitude by taking on a new type of challenge.
When the fundraiser airs on BBC One, she’ll be joined by a Strictly Come Dancing pro to perform a dance, with Welsh TV star Alex personally delivering the news to Brianna.
The adolescent was understandably sad and astonished, having been forced to give up dance when she was younger owing to illness.
As the video came to a close, both Alex and Brianna addressed the audience at home, appealing for donations and emphasising the significance of the cause.
Alex was wiping her face as she returned to the studio.
‘Well, I can’t speak,’ she said, overcome with emotion.
‘She is a stand-out human being, she’s amazing, and I can’t wait to see how she does,’ Alex said sweetly.
Adding that the whole thing was ‘so exciting’, football pundit Alex put a hand on fellow Alex’s leg to comfort her.
‘I’m gonna be there, I’m gonna be cheering her on,’ said the former Arsenal player, whose own voice cracked as she read out her lines about hosting Children in Need in November.
‘I can’t wait, I’m nervous for her,’ added the teary One Show host before pleading for donations again.
The One Show airs weeknights at 7pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
Children in Need 2023 airs on BBC on November 17.
