Alan Brazil will be off the air for two days as talkSPORT continues coverage from the Cheltenham Festival, with Shevern Ahern once again taking his place.
Shevern Ahern replaces Alan Brazil again (Image: talkSPORT)
Alan Brazil was forced to miss talkSPORT’s Breakfast Show in Cheltenham on Thursday due to illness. The 66-year-old Brazilian was hosting the show live from Cheltenham Festival on Tuesday, along with co-host Ally McCoist.
Wednesday was his designated rest day, but when the show started at 6 a.m., listeners were surprised to hear Shevern Ahern’s voice. Ahern explained that the former Scotland international, whom he had previously replaced as a substitute, needed “a bit more rest”.
However, Brazil is expected to return to Friday’s show ahead of the legendary Gold Cup. “Surprise!” Aherne began Thursday. “You’re listening to the talk SPORT Breakfast and this is Shevern Ahern replacing Alan Brazil.
“He needs a little more rest today, right? But Alan will be back tomorrow morning fit and strong for Gold Cup day.”
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Co-host Gabby Agbonlahor added: “He’s a Cheltenham legend and there’s going to be a lot of people around the world looking forward to seeing him tomorrow and hearing his voice. Hopefully he’s well until the morning.”
The channel also explained on its website: “TalkSPORT can confirm that the big man is feeling a little unwell and we expect him to return to broadcasting on Gold Cup Day. Brazil broadcast his iconic show live from Cheltenham on Tuesday before successfully delivering his pre-agreed rest day on Wednesday.”
“And he needs a bit more time to recover before he returns alongside Arsenal legend Ray Parlor in Friday’s big finale. At least that’s the plan.”
Brazil remains a mainstay of talkSPORT’s coverage from both its Cheltenham and London bureaus, but he is not always in the chair. In 2004, the former Manchester United striker was sacked by the department after being left unemployed at a horse racing festival.
Three weeks later, Brazil returned. In 2024, he was absent from the breakfast show again after Virgin Radio presenter Chris Evans had to fill in at short notice.
The Brazil international later clarified that his absence was not due to alcohol, but because he felt tired after a busy week while dealing with a knee problem. The 66-year-old is known for enjoying drinks at festivals as well as parlors.
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