Morning Live presenter Gethin Jones has admitted that he was close to quitting TV before the BBC show launched in October 2020. The 45-year-old, who was born in Cardiff, gave an exclusive interview to WalesOnline ahead of hosting the Child of Wales awards in the Welsh capital on Friday, March 24.
Speaking about Morning Live, Gethin said: “I actually love the show. I was going to quit telly and I went back to uni and did a Masters. I was done and happy to sort of go on with the next chapter and then this show came along that I’ve fallen in love with.
“I’ve never been involved in a show that is so interactive with our viewers. I mean that in the respect of not just saying, ‘Hey good show’, I mean that viewers say, ‘What about this? Have you considered that?’ We cover so much in 45 minutes and people have really jumped onto it and I feel very lucky to go to work everyday on it.” For more showbiz and television stories get our newsletter here.
Read more: Helen Skelton 'emotional' over 'broken' Gethin Jones as BBC Morning Live viewers in tears
Gethin continued: “I jump out of bed at 5 o’clock every morning and I always promise myself, like anything that I’ve done, if I don’t jump out of bed to do it then I will move aside and let someone else do it. It’s just the way that it should be.”
The presenter recently made headlines when he took part in a 24-hour dance session to raise money for Comic Relief. For his efforts, he managed to raise more than £1m - read more about that here.
Gethin admitted that the challenge was “tough” but rewarding. “Trying to get down the stairs the next day was fun. It took me about an hour! Physically, I was in absolute bits.
“I think that we were just flying on elation. We were really blown away by the support and the messages throughout the 24 hours on iPlayer were extraordinary - whether it was 8pm or 4am. When I saw those donations come in, it just meant the world. We were kept going by that support.”
Discussing the donation total, Gethin added: “I can’t believe it. We talk about the cost of living crisis on Morning Live every day and how hard things are and the choices that people are making but then, those same people have dipped into their pockets to help those who are really struggling. Donations go where they need to go.
“On the show on Friday, the total was going up so far and it was incredibly emotional. I haven’t cried that much on telly since Konnie Huq waxed my chest on Blue Peter.”
Gethin is now looking forward to returning to his home city to host the Child of Wales awards for the second year in a row. The ceremony, which will take place at the Mercure Hotel on Friday, March 24, celebrates the inspirational achievements of remarkable young people in Wales.
Speaking ahead of the evening, Gethin said: “Coming from Red Nose Day, to see how much people want to help others is so lovely and I think during the event, you’ll find it hard not to chuck some money in an envelope.
“I’ve made a point of watching some of the videos from the night and learning about some of the inspiring people this week. I’m so emotional at the moment that I honestly don’t know how I’ll be upon seeing them for the first time on the night.
“There’s so many stories of bravery, courage and selflessness that are inspirational and there’s no way that you can come to the event and not take away something that will help you in your life. Last year was incredible. It's just lovely to be surrounded by recognition for children in Wales.”
Gethin then revealed that the Welsh nature of the evening was what attracted him to take up hosting duties. “Whenever you cross the border into Wales, you always feel a word ‘hiraeth’ and in English that translates to that longing to be home. I live away from home and Cardiff is my home so to come back and support anything at home means the world to me.
“Wales is part of my identity and it’s the reason that I do what I do. I’m very privileged and it means a lot to me to do what I do. My role at Child of Wales is very simple: it’s to guide people through the night.”
The Principality Building Society Child of Wales Awards raise vital funds for children's charities Ty Hafan and Hope House Ty Gobaith while recognising the incredible achievements of amazing children and young people from across Wales who face hardships and challenges every day, yet never give up, never stop trying - inspiring those around them in the process. Friends and family of the children involved, plus celebrities, media personalities and sportspeople, will see categories such as outstanding personal courage, bravery, sporting and creative achievement being awarded on the evening.
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