Blog: The future's not Bleak(ley) for the One Show

Blog: They may be regretting that hasty exit now, but is The One Show missing its previous star turns Adrian Chiles and Christine Bleakley?

It didn't look like it last night.

In fact this popular evening programme looked to be thriving in their absence.

It's the first chance I have had to tune in since new pairing Jason Manford and Alex Jones stepped in after their predecessors headed off to ITV1 in a huff.

They are certainly no Chiles and Bleakley – for starters there is a distinct lack of any sexual chemistry. But let's face it that's no bad thing because as we all now know that's no guarantee of good television.

Alex did come in for a lot of criticism for being a clone of the aforementioned Christine when she was first started on The One Show, but aside from the wide grin – which takes up almost all of her face - and the distinctive accent, she is carving out her own style. Cleverly, she has taken the best of Christine's style and ditched the worst for traits of her own for which I am sure fans are extremely grateful.

She may still provide the indulgent smiles to Manford's attempts at ad-libbing as Christine did, but she doesn't cling to him for confidence and stands apart - proving that she is a necessary rather than just attractive half of the partnership. But her bright take on the content is needed. It's frivolous television with just the odd serious topic tackled.

Most of time you need a presenter who is cheery and who has no idea how to be self-conscious – Alex Jones to a tee. And at least while he majors in cheeky humour her co-host is significantly jollier than the misery that is Adrian Chiles.

They did a great job with special guest Sir Cliff Richard last night – an interview which was charming, engaging and funny. Even if the clapping and cheering from off-camera got a bit much at times.

But what I like most about The One Show is that the format has won through. It was packed and fast-flowing with two perfectly capable presenters keeping up with the pace and, indeed, helping it along.

No I'm sure the BBC is laughing all the way to the bank after failing to bag Chiles and Bleakley with big-money contracts. Now all bosses need to do is show the Government how to cut costs and actually improve the service. That would be priceless.