BBC Morning Live favourite Dr Xand van Tulleken experienced a dramatic interruption to his workday when he received the call every expectant father awaits. The 47-year-old medic had to abandon a podcast recording mid-session after his wife, Dr Dolly Theis, phoned to announce she had gone into labour with their third child.
The Urgent Call from Home
Dr van Tulleken was in the studio recording an episode of his What's Up Docs podcast alongside his brother, Christoffer, when the crucial call came through. His wife Dolly, with whom he shares 21-month-old son Rex, was expecting their daughter in November 2025. She recognised the familiar signs of labour beginning and immediately contacted her husband.
In audio from the podcast, Dolly could be heard explaining her symptoms, saying she was having "quite regular period painy feelings" similar to those she experienced before the birth of their son. Xand relayed the news to his brother, stating they were at "41 weeks plus one" days into the pregnancy. Chris's reaction was one of stunned urgency, telling his brother, "Why are you still speaking? I think you've gotta leave!"
A Sprint Home for a Special Delivery
Taking the prompt advice, Xand, who also has a teenage son named Julian from a previous relationship, dashed from the studio to be at his wife's side. The couple had planned a home birth, and their daughter arrived later that evening.
Baby Daphne Rita Adora van Tulleken was born at home at 10:30pm on 27 November 2025. In a joyful follow-up video shared on social media on Saturday 3 January 2026, the delighted father announced the news. "Dolly was in labour and our daughter Daphne was born at home," he said, showing off her tiny feet. "She is doing brilliantly, her mum is doing brilliantly, she is absolutely perfect."
A Cosy Arrival and Family Joy
Dolly Theis, a visiting researcher at the University of Cambridge's MRC Epidemiology Unit, shared further charming details of the birth on her own social media post. She revealed Daphne arrived "between the fire and the Christmas tree", which had been decorated just the night before. She expressed immense gratitude to her midwifery team, who assisted with the home birth and subsequent hospital visit for the removal of her placenta before the family returned home to enjoy "milky newborn cuddles" and introduce Daphne to her big brother Rex.
Dr Xand van Tulleken, known for his science and health programming on BBC Horizon and as a regular on Morning Live since July 2025, is now a father of three. The couple, who married in 2023, are reportedly overjoyed with their new addition, completing their family in the most heartwarming of fashions just before the festive season.
