BBC The One Show's Alex Jones shares sad death announcement during live show
The One Show's Alex Jones was back on the BBC sofa on Monday evening alongside co-host Roman Kemp and pair paid an emotional tribute to "amazing writer" Dame Jilly Cooper following her sudden death
Alex Jones delivered some heartbreaking news on the most recent instalment of The One Show.
Dame Jilly Cooper died at the age of 88 on Sunday (October 5) morning following a fall, with her agent confirming the news on Monday (October 6).
Her children Felix and Emily released a statement saying: "Mum was the shining light in all of our lives. Her love for all of her family and friends knew no bounds.
"Her unexpected death has come as a complete shock. We are so proud of everything she achieved in her life and can't begin to imagine life without her infectious smile and laughter all around us."
Alex and Roman Kemp returned to hosting duties on Monday night, welcoming studio guests Ruth Jones, James Cordon, Tamsin Greig and Lorraine Ashbourne, reports Wales Online.
As the show drew to a close, Alex remarked: "Now in a show in which we've celebrated great writers, we wanted to take a moment of course to reflect on today's sad news about Dame Jilly Cooper who's sadly died at the age of 88.
"Jilly was best known for Rivals and Riders and were lucky enough to get a special tour of her garden back in 2010 where she talked about her love of being outdoors.
"Of course an amazing writer, Ruth you were lucky enough to meet her."
Gavin and Stacey creator Ruth responded: "Yeah I met the Queen's Jubilee pageant a couple of years ago and she's just hugely inspiring, she really was.
"I used to love her books, especially when I was younger actually. Weirdly my dad used to love Jilly Cooper books. She was incredible and Rivals was just superb."
Roman added: "Our thoughts are with her family and friends."
Dame Jilly gained fame for penning her beloved Rutshire Chronicles book series, which chronicled the scandals and romantic escapades of the wealthy countryside elite.
The 11-book "bonkbuster" collection kicked off with 1985's Riders and wrapped up with 2023's Tackle!
The series' most celebrated instalment is arguably 1988's Rivals, which was recently adapted into a Disney+ drama featuring stars including David Tennant, Danny Dyer and Katherine Parkinson.
A second series of Rivals, which Dame Jilly served as executive producer on, is currently being filmed ahead of a 2026 launch.
The One Show airs weeknights on BBC One at 7pm