Jonathan Ross welcomes Harriet Kemsley as new series opens with on-air mishap tease

Harriet Kemsley is stepping into a higher-profile TV spotlight this weekend, joining the first episode of a returning Saturday-night chat show hosted by Jonathan Ross. Kemsley has been previewing the appearance with a punchy hook: she jokes that she “injures” Ross during the taping, turning a debut couch booking into a clip-friendly moment before the show even airs.

The episode is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, at 4:30 PM ET, and pairs Kemsley with a guest list that blends film, sport, and music—positioning the comedian as the comic counterweight in a lineup built for broad, mainstream appeal.

The booking that puts Kemsley in the mix

Kemsley appears alongside actor Hugh Bonneville, actor Riz Ahmed, England rugby union player Ellie Kildunne, and musician Jason Derulo. The structure suggests a classic variety hour: film and theatre talk, sport conversation, a comedy segment, and a live performance.

For Kemsley, the invitation marks a notable moment in her career arc: she has long been a familiar face on British panel formats and comedy circuits, but a prime-time chat show sofa offers a different kind of exposure—one that can translate directly into ticket sales, podcast growth, and new presenting opportunities.

“Yes, I do injure Jonathan”: the tease and what it signals

Kemsley’s social-media preview leans into slapstick energy, describing the appearance as her “first chat show” and adding that she does, in fact, injure Jonathan. No further detail has been formally confirmed in the public run-up, but the tease is doing its job: it frames her segment as physical, unpredictable, and likely to be replayed as a short clip.

In the current TV ecosystem, that matters. A strong couch moment can outrun the original broadcast, circulating widely and reaching audiences who never watch the full episode. For comedians especially, a clean, memorable anecdote—or a harmless on-set mishap—often becomes the promotional engine for the next run of dates.

What Kemsley is promoting right now

Kemsley enters the episode with multiple active storylines that fit well with a couch-chat format—personal, specific, and easy to understand in a short segment.

Here are the most relevant threads currently attached to her public profile:

• A recently launched dating-and-life podcast co-hosted with fellow comedian Amy Gledhill

• Her earlier reality series built around her wedding, and her more recent public updates about her personal life

• A wrestling-themed comedy event appearance that became a talking point over the past year

Each of those topics plays to her comedic style: self-deprecation, blunt honesty, and a willingness to turn awkwardness into a punchline without drifting into mean-spirited territory.

Why Jonathan Ross is a good fit for her style

Ross’s format tends to reward comedians who can move quickly between rehearsed bits and spontaneous banter. Kemsley’s persona—warm, chaotic, and confessional—fits that rhythm, especially when paired with A-list guests who might otherwise dominate the conversation.

The episode’s “mixed guest” structure can also work in her favor. When a lineup includes actors promoting big projects and a sports star discussing performance, the comedian often becomes the release valve: the person who can poke fun at the room, ask the question viewers actually have, or spin a small moment into a bigger laugh.

What to watch for in the segment

If you’re tuning in specifically for Kemsley, there are a few predictable pressure points that often decide whether a chat-show appearance lands:

First, whether she gets enough uninterrupted runway to tell a full story rather than trading quick one-liners. Second, whether the teased “injury” moment reads as genuinely accidental or clearly staged for laughs. Third, whether her segment includes a sharp, repeatable line that can be clipped cleanly—something that sells her voice in under 20 seconds.

Even a short appearance can be a step-change for a stand-up career if it produces one standout bit and pushes viewers toward her live dates and audio work.

The bigger picture: a crowded comedy lane

Kemsley’s timing is notable. British comedy remains packed with strong touring acts and heavy TV competition, which raises the value of any high-reach booking that isn’t tied to a panel show. A chat-show spot can function like a stamp of mainstream credibility—especially when it’s part of a season opener designed to draw a broad audience.

If her segment connects, expect a familiar sequence: short clips, a spike in searches, louder attention on her podcast, and additional bookings that lean into the same on-screen energy that landed her this invitation.

Sources consulted: Comedy.co.uk, The Guardian, The Independent, Beyond The Joke