The One Show BBC Schedule Change – Confirmed Updates for May 2026

The One Show has seen its BBC One schedule change twice in May 2026. An episode was dropped for election coverage on Friday 8 May, and another was taken off air for the Chelsea Flower Show on Friday 22 May. The programme returned on Monday 25 May at an earlier time of 6:30pm.

Earlier in the month, presenter Clara Amfo confirmed that the show would move to an earlier time slot for the week beginning 1 May, according to the Bristol Post. The reasons behind the two separate disruptions differ, with one linked to a major broadcast event and the other to routine seasonal coverage.

Viewers are advised to check weekly BBC listings, as changes can occur with little advance notice. The show continues to air on its regular Monday, Wednesday and Friday slots, though Scotland does not receive Tuesday and Thursday editions.

What Is the Current Schedule Change for The One Show?

Why Is The One Show Changing Its Schedule?

The two schedule changes in May 2026 have separate, identifiable causes. On Friday 8 May, BBC One’s schedule was dominated by election coverage, forcing The One Show off air. Alex Jones informed viewers that the programme would return on Monday with guests Sir Ian McKellen and Sandra Oh, and no further disruptions were expected that week.

On Friday 22 May, the Chelsea Flower Show took over the usual 7pm slot. Alex Jones announced the change on Thursday 21 May, telling viewers the show would be “off air tomorrow” and would return on Monday at the earlier time of 6:30pm. The earlier time was required because Natalie Cassidy’s new programme was scheduled for 7pm on that Monday.

Did the Jermaine Jenas Sacking Cause a Schedule Change?

The search results examined for this article do not show a May 2026 One Show schedule change directly linked to Jermaine Jenas’s sacking. Both reported disruptions are tied to election coverage and the Chelsea Flower Show. Any connection to the Jenas incident remains unconfirmed in the available sources.

Who Are the Guests on The One Show Tonight?

Guest listings for The One Show are typically announced on the day of broadcast via the BBC website and social media channels. For the Monday after the 8 May election disruption, Alex Jones confirmed that Sir Ian McKellen and Sandra Oh would appear. No specific guest lists for later May episodes have been published in the reviewed sources.

For viewers wanting to check upcoming guests, the BBC programme page provides the most reliable update. Social media accounts of the show and its presenters also share last-minute announcements.

When Is The One Show on Air This Week?

The One Show normally airs weekdays at 7pm on BBC One. However, there are exceptions for Scotland (no Tuesday or Thursday editions) and for occasional pre-emptions like the two in May 2026. After returning on Monday 25 May at 6:30pm, the show is expected to continue its regular Monday, Wednesday, and Friday slots for the rest of that week.

The BBC programme page lists a future episode on Friday 12 June at 7pm on BBC Two, suggesting further minor schedule adjustments. Viewers are advised to check the BBC’s upcoming broadcast list for the most current times.

Timeline of The One Show Schedule Changes (May 2026)

1. 1 May 2026 – Clara Amfo confirms a schedule change to an earlier time slot for the coming week (Bristol Post).
2. 8 May 2026 (Friday) – The One Show does not air due to BBC One election coverage. Alex Jones tells viewers the show returns Monday with Sir Ian McKellen and Sandra Oh.
3. 21 May 2026 (Thursday) – Alex Jones announces on air that the show will be off air the next day for the Chelsea Flower Show and will return Monday at 6:30pm.
4. 22 May 2026 (Friday) – The One Show is off air. BBC One airs Chelsea Flower Show programming in its usual slot.
5. 25 May 2026 (Monday) – The One Show returns at 6:30pm, earlier than the regular 7pm, due to Natalie Cassidy’s new programme at 7pm.
6. 12 June 2026 (Friday) – Upcoming episode scheduled for BBC Two at 7pm, not BBC One.

What’s Confirmed vs. What’s Unclear

Why Is The One Show Schedule Changing? Analysis & Context

The two May 2026 schedule disruptions illustrate how The One Show is subject to BBC One’s broader programming needs. Election coverage and the Chelsea Flower Show are recurring events that routinely push the show aside. The earlier time slot announced by Clara Amfo fits a pattern of seasonal schedule tweaks that often accompany the summer months.

The shift to 6:30pm on 25 May was driven by a specific programme launch (Natalie Cassidy’s new show), suggesting that the earlier slot may be temporary and tied to that particular Monday. No official BBC statement has indicated a permanent time change.

The absence of any confirmed link between the sacking of Jermaine Jenas and the schedule changes suggests the two disruptions are coincidental rather than connected. The available evidence points to routine broadcast planning as the primary cause.

Key Sources and Quotations

• Clara Amfo (via Bristol Post, 1 May 2026): “Confirmed a schedule change as the BBC show moves to an earlier time slot next week.”
• Alex Jones (via Mirror, 21 May 2026): “Has confirmed a shake-up … the TV star said that it would be ‘off air’ on Friday (May 22).”
• BBC Programmes Page: “Upcoming episodes listed with dates (e.g., Mon 15 Jun 2026 at 19:00 BBC One).”
• Wikipedia (The One Show): “The One Show is not broadcast on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Scotland.”

“The One Show is set to be taken off air in a huge BBC schedule shake-up.”

– Daily Mirror TV Facebook post

“Alex Jones told viewers the show would be ‘off air tomorrow’ because of the Chelsea Flower Show.”

– Digital Spy

“On Friday 8 May, The One Show did not air because BBC One was dominated by election coverage.”

– Digital Spy

What’s Next for The One Show Schedule?

After the off-air day on 22 May, The One Show returned to its normal Monday/Wednesday/Friday pattern. Future time slot adjustments may be announced if the earlier slot continues beyond May. Viewers should check BBC One listings for live updates, as schedule changes can happen without wide notice. For the most reliable information, refer to the BBC’s official programme page.

Frequently Asked Questions