Andrew Marr alarms listeners as the veteran broadcaster struggles through his live radio segment on LBC in London

Listeners tuning into Andrew Marr’s radio show on Tuesday evening experienced a moment that left many of them holding their breath.

The veteran broadcaster, best known for his years steering political coverage at the BBC, suddenly began to sound unsteady during his LBC programme — enough for social media to light up with worried messages.

A Sudden Change In His Voice

It was just after 6.30pm when regular listeners noticed something wasn’t right.

Marr, usually smooth and quick on the mic, stumbled mid-discussion while talking about podcast content created by Global, the company behind LBC.

His delivery, normally crisp, became strained and uneven, with some listeners saying they thought he was gasping for breath.

What Listeners Heard In Real Time

Clips that started circulating online show him pushing through his script at speed, even as he struggled to comfortably complete his sentences.

At one point he launched into a segment about harsh conditions inside Alabama prisons, but the unease in his voice only became more noticeable.

Marr Finished The Broadcast

Despite the faltering moment, he didn’t abandon the programme.

According to those familiar with the situation, he carried on and wrapped up the show as planned — though the episode has yet to appear on Global Player, LBC’s catch-up service.

Fans React With Concern

For those listening live, the experience was unsettling.
Comments poured in:

• “I hope Andrew Marr is alright — they’re playing something pre-recorded now.”

• “He doesn’t sound well at all.”

• “Is Andrew Marr okay?”

• “It was terrible to listen to, but he seemed to recover toward the end.”

• Even one listener who admitted he normally isn’t fond of Marr added: “This is heartbreaking. I hope he’s okay.”

Both LBC and Marr have been approached for comment.

The Moment On Air

Later in the show, Marr introduced the Global Player Awards winners with his typical humour, joking about being “possibly the only white man in southern England without a podcast.”

But the strain in his breathing continued to be audible, even as he pressed on with the segment about American prisons.

A Presenter With A Difficult Medical Past

Part of the concern comes from Marr’s long medical history, which is no secret to the public.

In 2013, a catastrophic stroke struck while he was using a rowing machine, leaving doctors fearing he wouldn’t survive.

After two months in hospital and a long road of physiotherapy, he made a remarkable return to broadcasting — though the stroke did leave him with lasting weakness on his left side.

By 2023, he had openly shared that everyday tasks like tying shoelaces or cycling were no longer possible for him.
Before that, he had already experienced two transient ischaemic attacks — “mini strokes” he once brushed off as odd spells.

More Health Challenges Over The Years

His health journey didn’t end there. In 2018, he underwent surgery to remove a kidney tumour.

He stepped away from broadcasting duties during his recovery, though he chose not to publicly discuss the details of his treatment.

What Happens Now?

With listeners still anxious after last night’s scare, many are waiting to hear whether the episode was just the result of a heavy cold, as some sources have suggested — or something more serious.

For now, fans simply hope Andrew Marr bounces back quickly.