As The One Show celebrates its 20th anniversary this month, two of the show’s presenters, Clara Amfo and Angellica Bell share some of their personal insights from the famous sofa.

Celebrating its 20^th anniversary this month, the BBC’s popular evening infotainment programme is a firm favourite among audiences tuning in for television’s biggest interviews, unforgettable live moments, inspiring stories and exclusive performances. Alongside guest appearances from Hollywood royalty, the programme has championed emerging talent, often introducing audiences to future stars at the start of their journeys.

A big reason for the show’s success is undoubtedly the fantastic lineup of hosts, made up of some of the nation’s favourite presenters. Hosting duties is led by Alex Jones and Roman Kemp alongside Clara Amfo, Angellica Bell, JB Gill, Vernon Kay and Lauren Laverne.

To mark the show’s milestone anniversary, two of our favourite presenters, Clara Amfo and Angelica Bell share some exclusive insights into what it’s like being a presenter on the show, some of their favourite guests and their best memories.

Clara Amfo

Have you met any of your heroes on the show?

Maya Rudolph was a highlight; she is absolutely hilarious. I’ve been a fan of hers forever and was a bit starstruck when she was on. She was very sweet, absolutely lovely. Annie Lennox was great too; she was really generous with her time and her answers. Jackie Chan was a lot of fun. He taught me how to balance a glass of water on my hand which is one of his old martial arts practices for balance and patience. He was incredible. Also, Denzel Washington. He’s an icon. He’s such a cool cat, and very chill, very funny, super switched on and a great time.

Who would be your dream line up?

I would love Colman Domingo, because he’s so fabulous. He’s such a great actor and a proper comedian. Mariah Carey would be on my dream line-up too.

What is the best thing about being involved in a show like The One Show?

No two shows are the same. You get to have a laugh with your mates, and I just love live TV. I love that what happens in the moment happens in the moment, and that’s that. You’ve just got to be in it.

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What do you think The One Show does well? What are you most proud of?

It gives people a bit of everything. You might have Pedro Pascal on the sofa but also a VT of somebody who has been growing the most beautiful daffodils in their back garden in Wales and then the cast of Cabaret on the piazza. It’s always very sensitive and it’s always a show that celebrates things. I think that is really cool.

Angellica Bell

Tell us about some of your earliest memories working on The One Show.

It seems like yesterday when The One Show was first on air. I remember there was a lot of talk about it and all over the BBC there was a buzz as the show was to cross-pollinate into different departments. It was all very hush hush, and I was shocked when I was asked to have a meeting about it, probably because I wasn’t sure what the show would be, however, I was excited because I was transitioning from children’s television at the time. It was something new and fresh. One memory I will never forget was the first day all the new reporters met in one of the dressing rooms at Television Centre before the photoshoot. And here we are 20 years later!

What was it like the first time you hosted the show?

I’m not going to lie, the first time I hosted the show on the green sofa, I was so nervous. I’m known for working in live television studios having been on CBBC nearly every single day, but to be given the responsibility to present the BBC’s flagship show, felt like the first day on CBBC! This was the first show I’d properly used autocue and on prime time, and as with anything, you grow as a presenter and understand your audience. Also, I really enjoy being on The One Show because a lot of the audience knew me when I was younger. In that sense, I feel like they’re looking after me. It’s a real family in all senses of the word.

Who have been your favourite guests so far? Have you met any heroes on the show?

Over the years I’ve met and interviewed some incredible people. I was blessed to interview Benjamin Zephaniah twice – I have one of his quotes on my wall. I’ve interviewed George Clooney, Stanley Tucci. Billy Connolly (who gave me the biggest hug) Obviously, Oprah Winfrey was big for me because she was someone, I watched growing up. When The Devil Wears Prada cast came to the studio, I loved it. Meryl Streep was fantastic. Gosh, Roger Daldry, Rick Astley, Freddie Flintoff, David Harewood. Kyle Chandler was also so sweet too. I like to go into the green room to meet the guests and he was wearing these brand new jeans with the label still on and he handed me scissors and asked, “Angellica, do you mind cutting this off?”. It was the most surreal moment ever. I think that’s the beauty of The One Show, it’s meant to make our guests feel at ease and we want them to enjoy themselves. I do this thing now where any guest that comes on, I’ve got to do a selfie with them.

Who would be your dream guest? 

Denzel Washington. Sarah Jessica Parker because I am a massive fan of Sex and the City. Celine Dion – I have all her albums and have travelled to see her live. Beyoncé too. I interviewed her when I was on CBBC, but I think it would be cool to have her on the green sofa, then I can get my iconic selfie!

What do you think The One Show does well? 

It’s topical and inclusive. There will always be something that you’re interested in that we feature on the show. It’s informative and we want to share with everyone those incredible stories and moments happening all over the country and being instigated by some selfless, amazing folk. I know I’ve talked about the celebrity part of the show, but I always say that it’s the everyday people I’ve met over the twenty years who have made a massive impact on me and taught me so much.

The post 20 years of The One Show: Reflections from Clara Amfo and Angellica Bell first appeared on Melan Magazine.