Northern Ireland

Stephen Nolan leaves show early after receiving news of mother taking ill following fall

Mr Nolan said his “Mum always comes first”

The SDLP's Matthew O'Toole was cut off by presenter Stephen Nolan during his radio show. Picture by Hugh Russell
Stephen Nolan cut his show short after he receiving call mother had taken ill
By Staff Reporter

Broadcaster Stephen Nolan left his radio show early on Tuesday after receiving a call his 83-year-old mother had taken ill.

Mr Nolan posted on social media the reason for his departure around an hour into the 90 minute show was to go and see his mother Audrey.

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He ended an hour of programming with a discussion on the Middle East but did not return after the 10am break. Conor Phillips, who normally kicks off his entertainment show at 10.3am, took over.

Mr Nolan wrote: “I got a phone call during the show to say my mum took ill this morning after falling overnight . I’m just letting you all know that’s why I left early . Mum will always come first.” Mr Nolan regularly mentions his mother, including on social media.

Earlier this year, he posted: “it’s my mother’s 83rd Birthday today. took her out to dinner today. I love her and admire her so much.”

He added that “she comes first so I was not able to fly to Salford to celebrate another birthday”, BBC 5Live’.