BBC The One Show hosts race to cut show after awkward Peter Mandelson joke: 'He won't be allowed back!'

Olivia Gantzer

By Olivia Gantzer


Published: 12/02/2026

- 17:46

The presenters seemed glad to be reaching the end of the programme

The One Show presenters Alex Jones and Roman Kemp were caught in an awkward on-air moment as they rushed to move on following a quip about Peter Mandleson.

It came on Tuesday's edition of the BBC chat show, with comedian Harry Enfield joining the hosts on the sofa to discuss his upcoming tour.


During the conversation, Mr Enfield made a joke about the former Labour politician during the live show.

As he delved into his new tour, Harry Enfield and No Chums, he detailed how it felt to be reprising some of his past iconic characters.

Harry Enfield

Harry Enfield's joke prompted an awkward response from The One Show viewers

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BBC

When asked who his favourite to play was, the 64-year-old replied that he enjoyed "Nicey," from the Smashie and Nicey sketch.

"The Peter Mandelson of pop, I call him. He keeps on coming back at you," he joked, instantly prompting an uncomfortable atmosphere.

Mr Kemp awkwardly laughed before Ms Jones told cameras: "Gosh, we'll leave that there."

The presenting duo did their best to swiftly move on from the remark, leaving viewers rushing to social media to poke fun at the painful moment.

Alex Jones and Roman Kemp

Alex Jones and Roman Kemp quickly moved on from the joke

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BBC

Mr Mandelson had been a senior Labour politician and strategist, having previously serving in Cabinet roles under former Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.

It came to light that he had a lengthy and personal relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, which he maintained even following's Epstein’s conviction for soliciting prostitution involving a minor.

Mr Mandelson stepped down from the House of Lords recently following the release of the Epstein files.

Taking to X, one viewer wrote: "I think The One Show were quite pleased they ran out of time with Harry Enfield there."

Harry Enfield

Harry Enfield made a joke about Peter Mandelson

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BBC

"Last funny comedian on TV, shocked he's not been 'cancelled' yet," another responded.

"Look at them both squirming, get Harry back on he didn't have enough air time, that'll upset a few people," a third commented.

Someone else shared: "Fabulous... I was wetting myself watching this live."

Another enthused: "Harry Enfield is a legend... #TheOneShow."

Alex Jones

Alex Jones responded 'we'll leave that there' before ending the show

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BBC

"We NEED MORE of #HarryEnfield @BBCTheOneShow What a mischief!!" a different X user agreed.

Another posted: "Harry Enfield’s never going to be allowed back on #theoneshow."

"Harry Enfield is too un-PC for the BBC these days," one more echoed. (sic)