On February 23, 2026, viewers tuning in to The One Show on BBC One found themselves treated to more than just the usual blend of entertainment and lighthearted banter. This particular episode, hosted by Roman Kemp and Alex Jones, featured a lively mix of guests: culinary icon Prue Leith, mathematician and presenter Hannah Fry, and actor Will Mellor. But the real spark came during a segment devoted to Mellor’s latest project, a show that’s been making waves for its blend of adventure, comedy, and genuine friendship.
The conversation took a playful turn when Roman Kemp, known for his quick wit, couldn’t resist poking fun at Mellor’s new series with his longtime friend and Death in Paradise star, Ralf Little. As the studio played a montage from the show—aptly titled Will and Ralf Should Know Better—the audience was treated to a whirlwind of scenes: the duo braving freezing water swims, dabbling in artistic workshops, donning cowboy hats for Wild West roleplay, and even delving into the world of the paranormal.
Over the montage, a voiceover set the tone: “We may look like middle-aged blokes, but really we’re just a pair of massive, noisy, kids. So, what will it take for us to grow up, embrace modern life and become better, maturer men?” The question hung in the air, both tongue-in-cheek and oddly relatable.
Roman Kemp, never one to miss an opportunity for a cheeky remark, turned to Mellor and said, “I mean, being realistic, this is not work, right? You’re hanging out with your best mate.” The studio filled with laughter, but Kemp quickly followed up with a more thoughtful question: “But, I will give you this, you really pushed yourselves on the trip, why do you feel like you wanted to do it? Why now?”
Mellor, who is turning 50 this year, leaned into the moment’s sincerity. He explained, “We don’t know how long we’ve got left time-wise, but we can make the most of the time we’ve got, and I thought, if I can do that as a job in my career—I used to watch all these programmes like Top Gear, I loved the adventures.” He continued, “I said I really want to make a show like that but I want to make it so it’s organically real. We really are going and doing things to test ourselves and putting ourselves in situations we wouldn’t normally be in, who knows how we’ll react?!” (as reported by Wales Online and Everything Gossip).
The series Will and Ralf Should Know Better first launched in 2024 and is available to stream on the platform U. Since its debut, the show has seen Mellor and Little push themselves far outside their comfort zones. From plunging into icy waters to experimenting with art, donning cowboy costumes, and even exploring supernatural beliefs, the pair have embraced the ethos of adventure and self-discovery. The program’s premise is simple but effective: two friends, both approaching or reaching middle age, set out to tackle challenges and experiences that many would shy away from, all in the name of growth and, of course, a good laugh.
One of the standout moments discussed on The One Show was Mellor’s foray into stand-up comedy—a segment that, by his own admission, was nerve-wracking. “Terrifying! It reminded me of when I did Strictly and they do, ‘Dancing the Jive’ they do that bit. It’s literally a vocal laxative when they say that!” Mellor confessed, drawing a parallel between the adrenaline rush of live dance performance and the vulnerability of stand-up comedy. The candid admission resonated with viewers, many of whom remember Mellor’s turn on Strictly Come Dancing.
For Mellor, the motivation behind the show is deeply personal. Approaching a milestone birthday, he found himself reflecting on the passage of time and the importance of making meaningful memories. “As he’s turning 50 this year, he wanted to create a programme where he builds memories,” Wales Online reported. The opportunity to do so alongside his best friend—and to share those adventures with an audience—was simply too good to pass up. The show’s structure, reminiscent of classic adventure programs but with a uniquely personal twist, allows for both comedy and introspection.
The chemistry between Mellor and Little is palpable, both onscreen and in the stories shared during their The One Show appearance. Their willingness to step into the unknown, whether it’s braving freezing temperatures or performing in front of a crowd, lends the series an authenticity that’s often missing from more scripted reality fare. As the voiceover in the montage suggested, the journey is as much about embracing their inner “massive, noisy kids” as it is about growing up and facing new challenges.
For viewers, the appeal of Will and Ralf Should Know Better lies in its blend of humor, heart, and genuine camaraderie. It’s a reminder that adventure doesn’t have to end with youth—and that sometimes, the best experiences come from stepping outside your comfort zone with a good friend by your side. The show’s success also speaks to a broader trend in television: audiences are increasingly drawn to programs that celebrate real connections and authentic experiences, rather than manufactured drama.
During the episode, Prue Leith and Hannah Fry also contributed their own insights and anecdotes, but it was the dynamic between Mellor, Little (in absentia), and the hosts that captured the audience’s imagination. Roman Kemp’s playful jab—“this is not work”—struck a chord, highlighting the enviable nature of a job that allows you to travel, try new things, and laugh with your best mate. Yet, as Mellor made clear, the show is about more than just fun; it’s about growth, resilience, and making the most of the time we have.
Both The One Show and Will and Ralf Should Know Better are available to watch on BBC iPlayer and the streaming service U, respectively, ensuring that fans can catch up on the latest antics and adventures at their leisure. The episode served as a testament to the enduring appeal of friendship, the courage to try new things, and the simple joy of sharing those experiences with others—whether in front of a camera or on a green sofa in a BBC studio.
As Mellor and Little continue their journey, pushing boundaries and embracing the unknown, viewers are left with a simple but powerful message: it’s never too late to try something new, and the best adventures are often the ones you share with a friend.