Ireland AM's Alan Hughes opens up on ‘dark times' as husband shares emotional story that shows star's ‘amazing strength'

The Irish Sun

13 hours ago

'I have to keep going and Karl's been there through all that for me'
STAR'S STRUGGLE Ireland AM's Alan Hughes opens up on 'dark times' as husband shares emotional story that shows star's 'amazing strength'
IRELAND AM star Alan Hughes has opened up about some of the "dark times" in his life.
The Virgin Media presenter and his husband Karl Broderick have been together for over 31 years.
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Alan opened up about some 'dark times' in his life
Credit: Brian McEvoy
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The TV star's husband praised his resilience
Credit: Brian McEvoy
The happy couple, known for their warmth and humour, tied the knot back in 2011 and have faced their fair share of challenges across more than three decades.
Both of Alan's parents, Maureen and Kevin, died when he was just 10 - and the TV star admitted that loss has shaped much of his life since.
He told RSVP Magazine: "The sheer amount of loss I have witnessed in a number of years has shown me that the glass has to be half full not half empty. I lost my parents, I lost my sister, I lost my brother, my brother-in-law, I lost my best friend, all to cancer, aside from my parents."
Despite the heartbreak, Alan shared how he has tried to stay strong and move forward with Karl's support.
He admitted: "I keep feeling that I have to grasp life with both hands now and just move along. I have to keep going and Karl's been there through all that for me."
The TV star also reflected on how his mindset has changed over the years,
He said that he used to "worry" a lot, but now focuses on maintaining a "positive attitude".
Alan also acknowledged the disconnect between the public's perception and his private struggles.
He explained: "People think we have this idyllic life. I tell you, nobody thinks of all the really dark times you've had."
Speaking about his husband, Karl said: "People online will often say, 'Oh, look at you away again, you've a great life'. I know the things he's battled with and gone through."
Alan Hughes makes joke dig at co-host live on air
Karl then shared an emotional story highlighting how resilient Alan is, despite the heartbreak he has suffered.
He added: "His strength is amazing. When his best friend was dying, they called Alan, who was standing in his costume about to walk on to that night's panto performance, they said, 'Noel is about to pass, we're going to leave the phone beside Noel and you can talk to him and say goodbye, we won't listen, when you're finished just hang up.'
"And he did that and walked on and did that show, you would never have known. It was only when it was over he broke down."
Yesterday morning, the popular presenter was back on air alongside Muireann O'Connell and Ray Foley.
ON AIR
During an ad break, Muireann took to Instagram to share a video of herself, Alan and Ray in the Virgin Media studios
The 41-year-old excitedly remarked: "There's the three of us now."
However, as she zoomed in on Ray and Alan they looked less than pleased to be on camera.
The Limerick lady then called Alan out, but he continued to stare at his iPad on the desk.
Ray tapped Alan on the shoulder and said: "Alan look", to which he turned his head and responded, "What?"
Muireann hilariously added: "Oh it doesn't matter he doesn't talk to any of us."