The One Show’s Alex Jones left wincing as guest takes swipe at BBC during live interview

ALEX Jones was left wincing after Michael Palin made a sly dig at the BBC during a live interview on The One Show.

The actor made the dig at the broadcaster when he admitted working with Channel 5 for his new documentary on Iraq allowed him more freedom.

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The Monty Python star and travel writer returned to screens for a brand new documentary in which he takes a 1,000-mile journey across Iraq.

On Thursday night, Michael sat down with The One Show hosts Alex Jones and Roman Kemp to discuss the highlights of his new series.

The 79-year-old suggested working with Channel 5 granted him better freedoms during his trip to Iraq than if the BBC had funded it.

Presenters Alex and Roman were both stunned by footage of him climbing up hundreds of steps to the top of the Great Mosque in Samarra.

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Roman asked: ";What I want to know, genuinely - the health and safety form on that... is it real?”

The 52-metre tall mosque features a spiral staircase around the outside, which visitors must ascend without the aid of a guardrail.

Michael replied: "No, I mean, honestly. Maybe it’s just Channel 5 are a bit more independent.

"If I was working for the Beeb they wouldn’t have let me out of the car, let alone climbing up there."

The footage shown on Thursday’s One Show contained some rather precarious moments for the TV traveller.

In voiceover, he explained: "The minaret has 650 steps and nothing to stop me falling off the side."

At several points, Michael either hugs the wall or steps dangerously close to the edge to avoid visitors coming down the staircase.

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"I'm not trying to scare myself, but most places would have the handrail there as well as here," he said.

"We nearly lost a national treasure there," Alex joked and Michael confirmed he went all the way to the top.

Thankfully, Channel 5 allowed the presenter free rein to explore the sights of Iraq, and he was able to bring some incredible footage to his latest docu-series.

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