Alex Jones reveals she was a bikini-clad contestant on raunchy Magaluf dating show where ‘everyone was having sex’ before host Davina McCall helped her sit exams during a break in filming

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Alex Jones admitted she was on the Magaluf dating show Prickly Heat, describing it as a place where sexual activity was common among the participants.

The 48-year-old host of The One Show was on a Sky TV series in 1998, presented by Davina McCall and Julian Clary. She was 21 at the time and studying theatre, film, and television at Aberystwyth University.

Surprisingly, after a series of daring challenges and a lively boat party, the show’s host, Davina, went above and beyond by proctoring the contestant’s exams.

Alex shared on Jamie Laing’s podcast that she had to fit in studying for her exams while also filming a show, after successfully requesting her exam papers be sent to her while she was away.

Let me tell you, I was on this wild dating show a while back – it was filmed in Magaluf, which was…an experience! Davina McCall hosted, and Julian Clary was also part of the fun. It was definitely memorable!

It was known as Prickly Heat – a period when around 40 young adults, mostly between 19 and 23, were enjoying a carefree and sexually active time in Magaluf. Everyone was having fun and connecting with each other.

Jamie wondered if Davina recalled something. Davina responded with enthusiastic confirmation, explaining she actually completed her university final exams while on holiday in Magaluf.

The university initially refused to let me take my final exams in Magaluf, but I pleaded with them. Eventually, they agreed and sent my exam papers there, with Davina acting as the exam supervisor.

Alex had a stressful day before her exam when someone reportedly took her study materials and threw them into the ocean.

Alex shared on the podcast that Davina thoughtfully sent each contestant a handwritten card with a personal message after the show, and she still keeps hers.

I remember Prickly Heat so fondly! It was definitely ahead of its time – you could really see how it paved the way for shows like Love Island. Basically, a group of people would live together in a gorgeous villa, like a holiday resort, and they’d compete in all sorts of fun challenges. It was brilliant!

Alex first gained recognition on reality television and has since become a well-known figure in entertainment. She’s currently famous for hosting The One Show, a role she’s held since 2010 after taking over from Christine Lampard.

I was really struck by something Alex said in her interview. She talked about Jermaine’s sexting scandal, and honestly, it was a bit sad to hear she found out about it after everyone else – she said she was the very last to know. It just shows how difficult things were for everyone involved, and how much she values being kept in the loop.

Alex and Jermaine, both 42, co-hosted a popular evening magazine show from 2020 until Jermaine left in 2024.

I’m absolutely gutted! Apparently, Jermaine got the axe from the show because of some really bad behavior back at the BBC. I heard he sent some inappropriate messages to his female colleagues, and they fired him for it. It’s such a shame, I loved him on the show, but you can’t defend something like that, can you?

The scandal also led to the end of Jermaine’s 13-year marriage. His wife, Ellie – and mother to three of his four children – filed for divorce in March.

She explained that she and JJ had become close friends, but she was the last to find out about it. The BBC handled the situation, and she believes anyone who feels uneasy needs to address it directly.

The presenter went on to say that if their daughter felt unsafe at work, they’d hope they’d equipped her with the confidence to say something about it.

If she felt comfortable enough to share what happened, which takes courage, I’d hope the company would take it seriously and address the issue.

‘Lots of journalists are asked, ‘Have you ever had experiences that are uncomfortable? 

As someone who’s been observing trends for years, I’ve definitely noticed that looking back at the 90s and early 2000s, some of the things people said and did just haven’t aged well. There’s a lot that, with today’s understanding, we recognize wasn’t really okay.

However, nothing has ever really affected me deeply, or truly frightened me. And knowing what I was like back then, I understand I wouldn’t have coped well with it.

Jamie explained that it’s the kind of situation where you might stay silent to protect your job.

Alex admitted he wouldn’t have spoken up himself, and expressed a lot of admiration for the women who did, calling it a very courageous act.

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2025-11-21 18:04