Latest news with #IRELANDAM
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Ireland AM's Alan Hughes opens up on ‘dark times' as husband shares emotional story that shows star's ‘amazing strength'
'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. 2 Alan opened up about some 'dark times' in his life Credit: Brian McEvoy 2 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."
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘She always needs attention', jokes Ireland AM host as he throws dig at co-host Muireann O'Connell live on air
IRELAND AM host Alan Hughes has joked that his co-host Muireann O'Connell "always needs attention" in a new clip. The popular presenter was back on air this morning alongside Muireann, and Ray Foley, who was filling in for Tommy Bowe. 3 Muireann O'Connell shared a video on the Virgin Media set 3 Muireann told fans that 'Alan doesn't talk to them' 3 Alan jokingly remarked that Muireann 'always needed attention' The chat show hosts are renowned for their friendly banter both on and off screen, and today was no different. Taking to Instagram, Muireann shared a video of herself Alan, and Ray in the Virgin Media studios during an ad break. 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." Alan smiled and waved at Muireann's camera and said: "She needs attention all the time oh my God. "Everybody just loves you Muireann." Ray then cut across and added: "Yes everyone loves you click on her socials guys." Muireann O'Connell slams Alan Hughes' strange food quirk Muireann sighed and replied: "Okay well this is not going up." This comes after Alan left his co-host Siomha Ní Ruairc in stitches after a food tasting moment took a hilarious turn. On a recent cooking segment, chef Caryna Camerino joined the hosts in the studio to whip up a batch of fresh cinnamon buns. FUN TIMES Once they were ready, Alan and Siomha gave them a try - but the pair quickly burst out laughing as Alan made a cheeky remark about the noises they were making while eating. As they tried the pastries, Siomha said: "I'm going to need a minute here." Alan then added: "Yeah there's a lot of noise here. It's like when they kiss on Love Island and I hate it." The presenters couldn't contain their laughter as they made "mmm" noises into their microphones, with Alan dragging out the sound for effect. Alan added: "If you want to watch back on the 'mmm' you can sign up to Virgin Media Play or scan the QR code on the screen to enter online."
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘Wow this looks amazing' cry fans as Ireland AM star jets off on ‘heavenly' sun holiday with wife
IRELAND AM star Martin King has jetted off on a "heavenly" sun holiday with his beloved wife. The Virgin Media host and his wife Jenny McCarthy flew over to Mallorca last weekend to spend some quality time together. Advertisement 4 Jenny and Martin are enjoying their holiday in Mallorca Credit: Instagram 4 Jenny and Martin shared snippets of their trip on Instagram Credit: Instagram 4 Martin and Jenny went on a boat trip today Credit: Instagram The pair are staying in Port de Sóller, which is a stunning village located on the northwest coast of the Spanish island. Jenny and Martin have been sharing snippets of their getaway so far over on Instagram. They showed off the stunning views from the balcony of the four-star hotel, Hotel Salino Port Soller, they booked and gushed: "Our little break away... it's just heaven. "Really looking forward to a few days of this pure bliss…" Advertisement Yesterday, they got all dolled up to go out for a delicious meal in Restaurant Agapanto Flor de l'Amor. Jenny looked gorgeous wearing a white and black polka-dot bardot dress and white wedges. While Martin matched in a classic white long-sleeve shirt. After some grub and a few shots of Sambuca, the pair raced back into their hotel room where a bottle of bubbly was waiting on ice for them to watch the Love Island final. Advertisement Jenny took a hilarious video of Martin straddling the seat on their boat trip. The popular presenter looked less than impressed and joked: "It's not like the ones we've been on before. We pedal it ourselves... I wouldn't be surprised." Martin King fills in for Kathryn Thomas They were full of laughs in the next clip posted as they sped off on the boat to see the caves. The Dubliners' friends and fans all loved their posts and flooded the comment section with well wishes. Advertisement Emily wrote: "Oh enjoy guys, looking forward to following along." 'BEAUTIFUL' Patsy remarked: "Looks beautiful, enjoy." Mairead said: "Wow that looks amazing Jenny... it would do your soul good. Enjoy the break... you both need a switch off to chill." Ann commented: "Looks gorgeous, enjoy!" Advertisement Before jetting off on his holibops, Martin co-hosted Ireland AM last Sunday with Elaine Crowley and Siomha Ni Ruairc. The hit breakfast show was missing from yesterday's TV schedule due to the bank holiday.
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Ireland AM star Eric Roberts shares sweet snaps with son Rían on sun-soaked holiday and fans say he's ‘so like his dad'
TOP TRIP Ireland AM star Eric Roberts shares sweet snaps with son Rían on sun-soaked holiday and fans say he's 'so like his dad' IRELAND AM star Eric Roberts has left fans gushing after he shared a series of sweet snaps from his family holiday. The Donegal native and his wife Niamh jetted off to Spain with their little one and extended family for a sun-soaked break. Advertisement 3 Eric jetted off to Spain with his family Credit: Instagram 3 The doting dad shared a glimpse inside his holiday Credit: Instagram 3 Fans shared their love for his post Credit: Instagram The happy couple, who welcomed their first child Rían into the world in January, have been sharing glimpses into their life on social media ever since. The TV star took to his Instagram today to share some of the sweet moments from their fun-filled getaway. Eric posted adorable snaps of his eight-month-old son enjoying the trip, along with loved-up photos of himself and Niamh. In one snap, the host looked happy as ever as he held little Rían in his arms while posing alongside his own dad. Advertisement The doting dad also posted a cute mirror selfie with Rían, as well as a heartwarming snap of Niamh and their baby smiling at each other during the flight. Lastly, the dad-of-one shared plenty of the fun family moments they shared while enjoying their holiday. The presenter captioned his post: "A lovely few days away with the family." Fans and friends flocked to the comment section to share their love for his post. Advertisement Carol said: "Gorgeous family." Tina wrote: "So like his dad baby Rían." Eric Roberts reflects on Donegal defeat Farah gushed: "The baby is so cute." Another added: "Happy family picture." Advertisement Before heading off on his holidays last week, Eric reflected on Donegal's defeat at the All-Ireland final and claimed, "we will be back". The Donegal man was working pitchside with BBC Sport for the big game and gave fans a glimpse behind the scenes of his day at Croke Park. Unfortunately for Eric, he had to watch his home county fall short on the biggest day of the GAA calendar, as Kerry secured yet another All-Ireland title. GAME OVER The presenter was on the edge of his seat throughout the game, watching Donegal play catch-up after such a high-octane start by Kerry. Advertisement After the full-time hooter sounded, Eric took to Instagram to reflect on the big day. The TV star shared a series of snaps from his time working at Croke Park. He posted pictures of himself on the pitch before the game and even posed for a snap beside the Sam Maguire cup. But in a subtle nod to the disappointing result for Eric, he ended the post with a short clip of himself looking deflated as the final whistle blew. Advertisement While staying neutral for his presenting duties, the dad-of-one still brought his usual style to the day. He sported a white tee, black trousers and a bright orange jacket paired with white trainers.
The Irish Sun
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Inside Ireland AM star Siomha Ni Ruairc's relationship with hubby as they gear up to welcome first child together
IRELAND AM star Siomha Ni Ruairc and her husband, former UFC fighter Cathal Pendred, have been on quite the journey together since tying the knot just over a year ago. The couple said 3 Siomha and Cathal are expecting their first child together Credit: Instagram 3 The pair tied the knot in June last year Credit: Instagram 3 Fans have said they're 'the most wonderful parents to be' Credit: Instagram Siomha and Cathal were surrounded by their close family, friends and a few well-known faces on the special day. The Irish presenter looked sensational in an elegant strapless gown which hugged her figure and cinched at the waist. The wedding dress also had a flattering cowl neckline and a unqiue twisted detailing on the chest and a long princess train attached to the back. She styled her magnificent gown with a classy mesh veil which trailed down to the ground. READ MORE ON SIOMHA NI RUAIRC The veil had gorgeous pearl and diamante embroidery throughout making for a striking look. The Her husband also looked super dapper supporting a classic black tuxedo, black dress shows, and black braces to match. The newlyweds posed for a series of heartwarming snaps on the grounds of the lavish castle. MOST READ IN THE IRISH SUN TOP TRIP After their big day, the pair jetted over to South East Asia to The pair set off on an "extended Christmas break" to Ireland AM star reveals 'worse part' of TV experience Siomha shared some of the gorgeous snaps she captured from their travels with fans on Instagram. FIRST ANNIVERSARY Fast forward to June this year, the cute couple marked their Taking to The doting wife sweetly wrote in her caption: "Filleadh ar Loch Iascaigh. Celebrating our first wedding anniversary back where it happened. "Love it even more after this trip. @cathal_pendred I'd be lost without you." BABY JOY And the couples love story has now taken an exciting turn, with Siomha announcing earlier this week that they are Sharing the news on posted a stunning snap of herself and her husband snuggled up together while Cathal held up a baby scan photo. Siomha was glowing in the picture as she protectively placed a hand on her growing bump and beamed. The happy pair penned in their caption: "Leanbh nua ag teacht ar an saol mí Eanáir 2026.", which translates to "new baby coming into the world this January." The host returned on air after her announcement to host Ireland AM alongside and Kevin Twomey. Alan started off the show by congratulating her on the wonderful news. Siomha then revealed when she'll be heading on maternity leave saying: "Thanks honey. I'm due in January so I should be around here until Christmas time." 'SURPRISE' And when Alan asked whether she knows the gender of her baby, Siomha revealed: "I'm not finding out. "My way of looking at it is - I think I can Google anything in the world but I can't Google, 'What's in my womb', so I want it to be a surprise." Alan asked: "So you're not going to do one of these reveal parties?" Siomha said: "No, I'm going to keep it the old fashion way." After sharing the amazing news to Instagram, both fans and friends rushed to congratulate the pair. Six O'Clock Show host, RTE 2FM star, While fellow Ireland AM co-host, Sarah remarked: "I knew it! Comhghairdeas!! The most gorgeous wee bump ever." And Leona cried: "The most wonderful parents to be!"
