Listeners left concerned after legendary radio presenter Alan Brazil, 66, is forced off talkSPORT show after falling ill

Former Scotland and Manchester United star Alan Brazil was taken off talkSPORT this morning after falling ill.

The 66-year-old broadcaster had been presenting alongside Gabriel Agbonlahor but after coming back from a break during the show the former Aston Villa forward announced that Brazil had left the studio.

He said: ‘You’re listening to the talkSPORT Breakfast with me, Gabby. Big Alan Brazil is feeling a bit poorly, but he’ll be back as soon as he can.’

Brazil and Agbonlahor had been on air since 6am and Katie Shanahan, who had presented the station’s Early Breakfast Show, stepped in alongside Agbonlahor and gave a positive update shortly afterwards, saying:  ‘Alan Brazil is currently feeling a bit poorly but don’t worry listeners, he’s OK.’

Katie Shananan stepped in to replace Brazil and join co-host Gabriel Agbonlahor 

Brazil has presented the Breakfast show since the radio station launched in 2000, cutting back his hours in 2020 and now primarily hosts on Thursdays and Fridays.

The former forward started his football career at Ipswich Town in 1976 and later had spells at Tottenham and Manchester United in the 1980s. He won 13 caps for Scotland – representing them at the 1982 World Cup in Spain – but struggled with back issues towards the end of his career.

talkSPORT station later confirmed in a statement: ‘Alan Brazil was feeling unwell during today’s talkSPORT Breakfast show and came off air after 8am. Gabby Agbonlahor and Katie Shanahan presented the remainder of the programme.

‘Alan is doing OK,and will be back on talkSPORT shortly. We wish him a speedy recovery.’