Alan Brazil forced off talkSPORT after falling ill as statement read out on radio

Former Manchester United and Scotland footballer Alan Brazil left the talkSPORT breakfast show early on Thursday after falling ill live on air. Brazil had started the show in its regular slot as normal, but co-host Gabriel Agbonlahor revealed he'd been forced off air following an advert break. 

The former Aston Villa forward 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.” The show continued thereafter, with broadcaster Katie Shanahan ushered in to take over the reins.

Fans were quick to comment on Brazil's hasty exit, with @BurneyMac88 posting on X: "Hope Alan Brazil is ok. Was on TalkSPORT all morning then all of a sudden Gabby Agbonlahor was on his own saying 'he’s not feeling well' and then Katie Shanahan came on about 20/30 mins after to replace him. Hopefully nothing bad!"

@Bazro10 posted: "He was on Talksport and then Gabby said something and he hasnt been on, they’ve just said he’s been taken ill but is ‘doing okay’."

While @RustyRoyal chipped in with: "Hope all is well with Alan Brazil. Seemed absolutely fine earlier in the show."

Brazil has been part of the talkSPORT breakfast team since the radio station launched in 2000, but since 2020, he's shared presenting duties with Laura Woods and then Jeff Stelling.

The lads had been discussing the midweek Champions League action, where Manchester City were the only Premier League side that didn't taste victory. Pep Guardiola's team lost to Bodo/Glimt on Tuesday, meaning they now have to win and hope results go their way in the final match of the league phase to secure an automatic last-16 berth.