Alex Jones, the 47-year-old presenter of BBC's The One Show, recently revealed why she and her husband, Charlie Thomson, opted not to purchase the iconic home of TV chef and former Great British Bake Off star, Mary Berry. Having toured the house, which is known for its quaint charm and character, Alex described it as lovely but not quite suited for their family.
On the White Wine Question Time podcast, host Kate Thornton asked Alex about their house-hunting decisions and why Mary Berry's abode didn’t make the cut. "We didn't buy it, right? But, I'll tell you, it's a lovely house," Alex stated. She elaborated, explaining, "It's like two houses...quite different styles...that have been knocked together." One section of the home had a cozy, cottage-like feel but proved to be impractical due to its layout.
The main concern was accommodating Charlie's height; he stands nearly six foot three. Alex humorously likened him to Roald Dahl's character, the BFG, struggling to fit comfortably within their potential new home. "He looked like, yeah, BFG in like a Polly Pocket house," she said, evoking laughter and empathy as she detailed their swirling thoughts around the property.
Alex and Charlie, who celebrated their marriage in 2015 and are parents to three children, had been searching for new homes after spending 11 years at their previous residence. Recently, they welcomed another family member: Scout, their new Labrador puppy. Alex shared the joyful news on Instagram, mixing humor with excitement when she described how her husband surprised her with the pup. "I came home and Charlie was standing in the middle of the drive with what I thought was a jumper. Then, this black jumper moved. I got out of the car and said, 'Whose dog is this?' and he said, 'It's ours.' We have a new little baby. He's 10 and a half weeks old - he's gorgeous!"
The couple's decision to locate elsewhere also reflects Alex's struggles with balancing work and family life. She has opened up about the demands of motherhood amid her busy career as a presenter. Speaking candidly to Fabric Magazine, Alex spoke of the feelings of guilt she experiences when leaving her children. "I feel super guilty for leaving them, but I love my job and it keeps the family afloat," she said. Yet, she strives to make the most of her time at home, rushing back to be with her kids after work, attempting to tell them bedtime stories before they drift off to sleep.
Last year, Alex faced added pressures as her husband battled serious mental health issues. She revealed the deep emotional toll it took on their family. Reflecting on this difficult period, Alex described feeling helpless watching Charlie suffer through his struggles with viral meningitis and Lyme disease. "I didn't know what to do. I was looking at him and thinking I'm looking at somebody who is not my husband," she recalled during her appearance on Fearne Cotton's podcast, Happy Place. With fortitude, she encouraged others who might be experiencing similar challenges to seek support from loved ones.
Fortunately, after facing such hurdles, Alex reports Charlie is now on the mend. Their family has rallied together around newfound joys, such as their puppy Scout, as they transition to their new life away from London. Alex's honest discussions about family, mental health, and the trials of juggling fame with personal responsibilities resonate with many, reflecting a shared experience amid the pressures of modern life.
Though Alex and Charlie turned down Mary Berry's picturesque home, their current focus is on building new memories and nurturing their growing family. Amid laughter and honesty, Alex's story reminds her audience of the importance of love, resilience, and companionship as they navigate life's twists and turns together.