The One Show

Monty Python star Eric Idle appeared on Monday’s The One Show to talk about his new book Idle in Provence: A Brief History of Thyme

Monty Python star Eric Idle was left confused over a The One Show detail.

The actor, comedian, musician and writer, 83, appeared on Monday’s episode of the BBC programme to talk about his new book Idle in Provence: A Brief History of Thyme. It comes as a Monty Python ‘row’ has erupted between John Cleese and Eric in recent days.

As Eric was introduced to The One Show, the comedy star grilled hosts Alex Jones and Roman Kemp, asking: “Can I ask you a question? I mean, this is called The One Show, right?”

To which the duo confirmed this fact, a confused Eric then pointed out: “There’s two of you!” with Alex, 49, responding: “I know!” and Roman, 33, replying: “Fair, that’s fair!”

Alex then quipped: “I know, they need us both!” with Eric joking: “A spare? Is that what you said?” Alex then continued: “If one of us passes out, you know, there’s somebody else there.” Roman then joked: “I’m just a passenger, Eric, that’s all!”

Also on Monday’s show were Jack Whitehall and Daisy Edgar-Jones. Jack, 38, said of being on the sofa alongside Eric: “He’s an absolute icon! One of my comedy heroes and this is a privilege to be here with the great Eric Idle!”

During his time on the show, Eric spoke about his new book and his property in the south of France, which he purchased in 1971 and has spent 50 years renovating.

Over the years, Eric has hosted some very famous guests at his French home, including the late Robin Williams and David Bowie, as he recalled stories that included the duo on Monday’s show.

Host Roman said: “You mentioned so many other famous friends in the book as well and it’s your way, you say, of keeping their memory alive.”

To which Eric replied: “Well you know people say: ‘Oh, you’re name dropping!’ and I say: ‘Well, you’re not name dropping when they’re dead, it’s history’ and actually very interesting people both of them.

“Extraordinarily interesting people and David an extraordinary man. I mean polymath, he knew everything about music, art, literature, the whole lot!”

The One Show airs on weeknights at 7pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Matt Lucas has opened up about his new look, joking about his ‘bizarre’ beard

Matt Lucas appeared on Wednesday’s The One Show.

The actor, 52, was on the BBC One show, which also aired an emotional tribute to Dolly Parton, to talk about playing Fagin in Lionel Bart’s musical Oliver! for six weeks only at the Gielgud Theatre in the West End.

As well as Oliver!, Matt will also appear on Taskmaster alongside the likes of Richard Ayoade, Isy Suttie, Chloe Petts and Nina Conti.

Matt said of his new theatre role: “I’m growing this bizarre beard” to which host, JB Gill, said: “It looks good!” while co-host Clara Amfo, quipped: “Well, let’s talk about that. I don’t think we’ve ever seen you this way.”

This prompted Matt to admit: “Well, I’ve never ever tried. I grew a moustache for three weeks in the pandemic, but I mean, I, you know, I’ve talked about this before. I have alopecia. Lost my hair when I was six, shortly after that photo [a picture on screen] was taken, actually.

“So seven weeks ago, when I knew I was doing this, I went, ‘Right, what happens if I don’t shave?’ And this is what, so my aim is to keep growing it down to my ankles.

“And then when I’m at the football and it’s freezing in the winter. Wrap it as a scarf!” with Clara joking: “I love that. Function and fashion. Fantastic.”

Taking to Twitter, now X, viewers were also quick to comment on and praise Matt’s new look.

One person said: “Didn’t recognise Matt Lucas, quite a change since I last seen him. Looking good though. #theoneshow!”

A different viewer wrote: “Matt Lucas looks like a different person. #theoneshow” while another show watcher joked over how unrecognisable Matt looked: “They definitely said Matt Lucas was on #theoneshow tonight …. still waiting.”

Meanwhile, a different show watcher added: “Cant wait to see @RealMattLucas take on fagan in @OliverOnStage #theoneshow.”

It comes as Matt, who shot to fame on Little Britain and has more recently returned to the comic relief role of Thenardier in Les Miserables for the musical’s mammoth 40th anniversary celebrations, recently received his OBE for services to theatre.

The One Show airs on weeknights at 7pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer

The One Show shared an emotional tribute to ‘big friend of the show’ Dolly Parton after her sad death aged 80

Country music superstar Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80.

The sad news was announced by her family on Tuesday night, 25 August. The legendary musician was best known for her genre-defining hits including 9 To 5, I Will Always Love You and Jolene.

The news comes not long after Dolly cancelled fan events due to poor health.

On Tuesday’s The One Show, which aired just as the devastating news was announced, hosts JB Gill and Angellica Bell paid an emotional tribute to ‘big friend of the show’ Dolly at the end of the episode.

JB, 39, said: “Now just before we go, like many of you, we’ve just heard the very sad news that the legendary Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80.

“She was a big friend of the show, having been on many times, and was loved by people all over the world. So our thoughts are very much with her family, friends and fans. We’ll be paying tribute in tomorrow’s show.”

Taking to Twitter, now X, one emotional viewer wrote: “Poor Dolly Parton. RIP. #TheOneShow” while another account added: “#theoneshow RIP dolly parton” with a different fan responding: “very sad!”

It comes as in a video shared on Dolly’s social media accounts, the singer’s nephew announced her death and said: “My name is Brian Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, and I’m representing the Parton and Owens family today announcing the passing of my aunt, Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean.

“Sister, Sis and Granny to one generation and Gigi to the next.” He added: “This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality.

“As her head of security for more than two decades, a role my father Larry held before me, I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven’t truly felt it until now.”

The emotional video announcement continued: “It is an honour, an honour that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly.

“Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents and countless others who have watched her and longed to meet her in the heavens.”

Dolly’s husband Carl Dean died last year aged 82.