BBC broadcaster Stephen Nolan has given an emotional “thank you” to everyone who wished him and his mum well – as he returned to his show this morning after leaving early yesterday.
The broadcaster finished his radio show 30 minutes early on Tuesday morning after revealing his mum had taken ill.
Revealing he had been in hospital with her until late in the evening, the broadcaster spoke at length on his show today as he revealed he had been “genuinely” moved by the outpouring of support for his mum Audrey.
“She is in hospital. I think she is going to be alright,” he said on the show.
“First of all… what happened was I was presenting the show yesterday morning and I got a phone call to say my mum had been found on the floor.
“I am sorry for leaving the show early but I am not sorry, because she is always going to come first.
“I was really really worried and the person that found her was really worried too. I rushed up to the house.
“I think she is going to be alright and she is in hospital.
“I will tell you what though – and I mean this from the bottom of my heart – because of the nature of what I do because of the nature of what the Nolan Show is, we are dealing with politics everyday.
“There is never a day goes by where there isn’t controversy in this country. That brings a lot of flak and brings a lot of pressure and criticism.
“Yesterday, my phone did not stop with people from all around this country texting me to ask was I alright and to ask if my mum was alright.
“I am talking about friends I am talking about this amazing place where I work the BBC. This building just wraps its arms around you with love and support.
“Also politicians – some of them who refuse to engage with this programme for their own reasons – reaching out to me to say ‘are you ok’.
“When I was up in that hospital last night and I walked out of it… It genuinely meant something to me that you all were thinking about me so I want to say thank you.”
Yesterday, those listening to his programme noticed it finished after the news bulletin at 10am, with the Connor Philips Show then beginning 30 minutes earlier than normal.
News Catch Up: Wednesday 9 October