Veteran talkSPORT broadcaster Alan Brazil has been absent from his presenting duties for a second consecutive day after falling ill during Thursday's Breakfast show. The 66-year-old former Scotland international was forced to leave the airwaves mid-programme, sparking concern among listeners.
Stand-In Hosts Reassure Listeners
Shebahn Aherne, who stepped in to host Friday's show alongside Arsenal legend Ray Parlour, provided an update on Brazil's condition. Opening the programme, she revealed: 'Poor Al, he took the dizzies yesterday.' Parlour responded with humour, joking: 'Too many bourbons, I heard!' to which Aherne quipped: 'Yeah, too much sugar!'
Aherne went on to share further details about Thursday's incident, asking Parlour: 'Is it true that he spent the rest of the show - while Katie did the show - lying on the couch? Apparently he did.' Despite the light-hearted banter, Aherne offered reassurance to concerned listeners, stating: 'We are sending our love to Al, he is absolutely fine, he's doing well.'
Thursday's On-Air Incident
The health scare unfolded during Thursday's early morning broadcast when Brazil, who presents alongside former Aston Villa forward Gabriel Agbonlahor, began feeling unwell. Agbonlahor later explained that Brazil had been 'feeling a bit poorly' after taking to the microphones for their 6am slot. Production staff quickly drafted in Katie Shanahan to complete the remainder of the show alongside Agbonlahor.
Parlour, who was also present during Thursday's broadcast, added context to the situation: 'I hope he's alright, Alan. He was getting dizzy last week when I was here. The lights are making him go dizzy, so if we go dizzy later and say 'oh we don't feel too good' then turn the lights down for god's sake.'
talkSPORT's Official Statement
The radio station released an official statement on Thursday addressing Brazil's absence: 'Alan Brazil was feeling unwell during today's talkSPORT Breakfast show and came off air after 8am. Gabby Agbonlahor and Katie Shanahan presented the remainder of the programme. Alan is doing OK, and will be back on talkSPORT shortly. We wish him a speedy recovery.'
Brazil's Broadcasting History and Previous Health Challenges
Alan Brazil has been a cornerstone of talkSPORT's Breakfast show since the station's launch in 2000, though he reduced his hours in 2020 and now primarily hosts on Thursdays and Fridays. His broadcasting career hasn't been without previous interruptions due to health issues.
Five years ago, Brazil was forced to take an extended break while undergoing a heart operation. Speaking about that period before his return, he explained: 'I had a little problem, whether it was Covid related or, I don't know, fast living catching up with me, but I ended up in a couple of hospitals. I had a little sort out in the old ticker but I'm pleased to say I'm on the mend.'
The presenter has also faced speculation about his attendance record in the past. In 2004, he was famously dismissed from the station after failing to turn up for his show following a day at the Cheltenham Festival, though he returned to the airwaves soon after. More recently in 2024, he laughed off suggestions that overindulging at the same festival had caused him to miss another show, insisting: 'There was no massive drinks bender. I was just tired after coming down here on Sunday. It's been a long week.'
Later that same year, Brazil had to make an early exit from a special live broadcast in Suffolk on his birthday due to what a talkSPORT colleague described as a '48hr virus'.
Football Career Background
Before his successful broadcasting career, Brazil enjoyed a notable football career that began at Ipswich Town in 1976. He later had spells at Tottenham and Manchester United during the 1980s, earning 13 caps for Scotland and representing his country at the 1982 World Cup in Spain. His playing career was curtailed by persistent back issues towards its conclusion.
Listeners continue to send their well-wishes to the popular presenter, with many expressing hope for his swift return to the airwaves. The talkSPORT team maintains that Brazil is recovering well and will be back presenting his regular slots in the near future.
