TalkSPORT has officially confirmed that Alan Brazil was absent from his breakfast show for the third consecutive day of the Cheltenham Festival due to illness. The 66-year-old presenter had a pre-agreed day off on Wednesday but was initially scheduled to return to host his programme on Thursday from the festival grounds.
Stand-In Host Takes Over
When listeners tuned in at 6am on Thursday, Shebahn Aherne was instead standing in for the second day in a row. Aherne opened the show by stating, "Surprise, you're listening to talkSPORT Breakfast, it's Shebahn Aherne in for Alan Brazil. He needs a little bit more rest today, don't we all? But Alan will be back with you tomorrow morning, fit and firing for Gold Cup Day."
TalkSPORT later clarified that Brazil was "a wee bit unwell" and required additional time to recuperate. The broadcaster anticipates his return on Friday to host the breakfast show from Cheltenham alongside Arsenal legend Ray Parlour.
History of Health-Related Absences
This is not the first time Brazil has taken time off due to health issues. The former Scotland forward had a previous spell off air in January because of illness. Five years ago, he was forced to take a break while undergoing a heart operation.
Before his return at that time, Brazil remarked, "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."
Controversial Relationship with Cheltenham Festival
Brazil's association with the Cheltenham Festival has been a topic of much discussion over the years. In 2004, he was famously dismissed from the station after failing to appear for his show following a day out at the festival, though he was reinstated shortly after.
In 2024, Brazil laughed off suggestions that overindulging at the Cheltenham Festival had caused him to miss another show. He explained, "There was no massive drinks bender. I was just tired after coming down here on Sunday. It's been a long week. Also my knee is playing up after a lot of walking about. There's a lot of walking about needs done here with so many people to meet."
He further clarified, "It's not Covid or anything. I just meet so many people in this job - especially here at Cheltenham. So I just got a bug that's all and it just wears you down for this which is a long week. Tales that I was drinking too much yesterday are just a load of nonsense, a load of nonsense, a load of nonsense. It's got nothing to do with booze. I just had a few pints of Guinness yesterday with some great company. I'm fine, apart from this limp."
Longstanding Career and Recent Developments
Alan Brazil has presented the Breakfast show since talkSPORT launched in 2000, though he reduced his hours in 2020. His absence this week has sparked intrigue, with talkSPORT even launching a game ahead of this year's festival, challenging gamers to help "try to get Big Al to air" for Gold Cup day.
Reflecting on the situation, Brazil added, "It's not bad publicity. I missed a day and it is my fault. I don't have to say sorry to the bosses. I'm not saying I'm too big for that (saying sorry). I'm not too big to say sorry to the bosses."
