ITV's Dr Hilary Jones Reflects on Being Drunk During Live Broadcast
Dr Hilary Jones, a long-time contributor to Lorraine Kelly’s morning show, has shared an honest memory about a moment early in his career when he unexpectedly appeared on air while slightly drunk.
The 72-year-old doctor, well known for offering medical advice and commentary, recalled that the incident took place after celebrating completing the New York Marathon with his brothers.
“I’d run the New York Marathon and met up with two of my brothers to celebrate. I hadn’t eaten or drunk properly, and there was a lot of beer. I was scheduled to do a live segment from Times Square with Lorraine.”
As he prepared in a remote studio, Dr Hilary said he was caught off guard when the broadcast suddenly went live.
“All I remember was giggling, laughing, and talking nonsense because I was actually a bit drunk. Afterwards I thought, ‘They’re going to sack me — I’ve made a big mistake. What did I say?’”
Concerned that his career might be at risk, he reached out to the show’s producers the next day to apologise for the unprofessional moment.
“I phoned them and said, ‘I’m really sorry,’ and they said, ‘Why? You sounded brilliant — just happy, euphoric, and full of energy.’”
Dr Hilary said he was relieved by their reaction and that he “got away with it,” taking the experience as a light-hearted lesson in live television unpredictability.
Author’s Summary
Dr Hilary Jones humorously revisited an early slip on live TV, recalling how a post-marathon celebration left him tipsy on air — and surprisingly praised by producers.