GB News Twelfth coverage chaos as ‘gutted' historian Dr Gavin Hughes pulls out following insect bite
Dr Gavin Hughes has been a regular alongside the former First Minister to lend his expert knowledge and anecdotes and was due to contribute to Saturday's coverage of parades in NI.
However the academic has suffered a 'misadventure' after being bitten by an insect during a 'field research incident' which triggered a bad allergic reaction that has forced him to reluctantly vacate his seat for the live broadcast set to come from a sun-kissed Coleraine.
'Would you believe it, I've had a misadventure,' Dr Hughes told the Belfast Telegraph.
'Unfortunately I won't be able to do the broadcast and I'm absolutely gutted.
'I was out looking at 1798 farmsteads and churches in County Down (as you do), and got really badly bitten by something. I've now had an extreme allergic reaction.
'One very swollen arm and call to local GP later, I've just started a course of 'sun-sensitive' antibiotics and been told by the doctor in no uncertain terms to rest, avoid using the arm too much and stay inside.
'The perils of archaeological field-research!'
The Director of the Irish Conflict Archaeology Network at the Trinity Centre for Medieval and Renaissance Studies in Trinity College Dublin was due to accompany Dame Arlene to provide insights into the pageantry.
Actor Charlie Lawson will also help cover the spectacle with reporter Dougie Beattie taking to the streets to mingle with spectators.
Dr Hughes has been a key feature of the GB News coverage since the broadcaster stepped in to fill the void left when BBC NI pulled out of screening The Twelfth live in 2022.
Earlier this week Dame Arlene said she was looking forward to another year of twelfth coverage, posting on X: 'This year @GBNEWS will be bringing you The Twelfth live from Coleraine with all the usual gang. See you then.'
GB News has been contacted for comment.
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At this stage it's unclear whether it will be able to find a replacement for Dr Hughes, who has spent several weeks prepping for the big day.
Chief Executive of the Ulster-Scots Agency, Ian Crozier, is also due to take part in the programme due to air between 10am-noon on Saturday.
And this year the broadcaster is extending its focus on the day with a new historical documentary – co-produced by the TV network and Féinics Productions – exploring the untold story of how Ulster-Scots helped to shape early America.
Architects of America: Foundations of Freedom, funded by Northern Ireland Screen's Ulster-Scots Broadcast Fund, will air at midnight on Saturday 12 July.
'The documentary explores Colonial Ulster-Scots life and how ordinary men and women from Ulster arrived in a new world and built their future: from spinning wheels in the linen trade, to flax farming and land cultivation, to the rise of ironworks and maritime commerce - including the shadow world of covert trade,' the broadcaster previously announced.
'These industries and individuals laid the groundwork for revolution.
'Filmed across key locations in Ireland and the United States, this special news programme builds on previous coverage of the Glorious Revolution and The Great Migration, charting the rise of the Great Awakening in 18th-century America - a new era of ideals fuelled by the desire for economic, cultural, and religious freedom.'
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