BBC radio star disappears mid-show and tweets explanation for rushing out of the studio

A top BBC radio star had to abandon his show today after a family emergency, leaving fans baffled as he failed to return to the airwaves after the 10 o'clock news bulletin. Stephen Nolan, famous for his shows on Radio 5 Live and Radio Ulster had his show cut short this morning after he rushed out of the studio.

Listeners were left confused when the presenter did not return to this show - a mix of breaking news and "hard-hitting talk" - after the Radio Ulster news bulletin and the programme that follows, The Connor Phillips Show came onto the air half an hour early, Belfast Live reports. Broadcaster Stephen, 51, later explained his sudden disappearance.

Writing on X, where he had 270,000 followers, the BBC star said: "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."

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Listeners to the show sent their good wishes for a speedy recovery, with one writing: "Aww Stephen I hope she is ok. Right thing to do and she should be first. Take care." Another wrote: "Sorry to hear that. Hope she will be well." A third said: "Sorry to hear that. Hope she will be well."

It's not known if Stephen - the highest-earning BBC star in Northern Ireland according to the 2023/24 figures - will be back on the morning news programme when it returns tomorrow.

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