ALAN Hughes left his Ireland AM co-star in tears on air after a special tribute that had their fans emotional.
The hit Virgin Media breakfast show celebrated its 25th anniversary last Friday.
Alan Hughes gave Catherine Leyden a bunch of flowers on air[/caption]
Catherine was left emotional on air[/caption]
Ireland AM celebrated 25 years on air last week[/caption]
The three mainstay hosts, Alan, Muireann O’Connell and Tommy Bowe, joined Martin King and Elaine Crowley for a special episode for the occasion.
They were also joined by chef Catherine Leyden, who has been appearing on the kitchen segment of the programme for over 22 years.
Catherine was busy making buns and cake for the big day.
A compilation of the celebrity chef’s best bits from over the two decades were shown before her baking segment began.
The 72-year-old was already blown away by the throwback clips and said to Alan: “We’re like two young ones.”
Alan surprised her with a big bunch of flowers and had Catherine majorly choked up on air.
The Dubliner asked her to sum up her time and said replied: “I can’t really, I’m speechless.
“It’s been a marvellous 22 years and you’ve been there through it all with me. Through thick and thin.
“We’ve had some very happy times, some funny times and the odd sad time. But, it’s great we’re here.”
Alan praised her saying: “And it is great you’re here. It really is. The viewers have really responded to you.”
The pair reminisced on lockdown as Alan pointed out: “I know some of the low times during covid, we tried to keep in touch with you because you were really lonely.”
Catherine replied: “Covid nearly killed me but we’re out the other end!”
The Virgin Media star quickly got back into her cooking segment as they spoke fondly about their favourite moments on the show.
Ireland AM shared the sweet on air surprise over on Instagram last night and had everyone emotional.
‘FULL OF LOVE’
Mandy wrote: “The queen. True lady in every sense always welcoming, great for the morning chats and banter. Beautiful soul Catherine.”
Ethel said: “Watched Catherine, for many years, lovely lady, love when Alan and Catherine have bit banter.”
Ursula commented: “LOVE this soo much… there’s only one Catherine the best of the best and Alan is always by her side full of love.”
Helen added: “How lovely it is to have Catherine on the telly for so long. Love watching here and the craic with the presenters. A joy!”
On Friday, Tommy Bowe was also reunited with an Ireland AM guest for the first time since his viral moment on the show.
BOWE OUT
Joining the trio of hosts, the special guest said “life has never been the same” since the hilarious incident back in 2021.
For one segment of the show, Tommy was reunited with author Seamus O’Reilly.
Three years ago a clip of Tommy went viral as the author was being introduced onto the show by Clare McKenna.
When Clare was introducing Seamus she mentioned he had ten siblings – something which surprised Tommy.
Clare said: “Author Seamus O’Reilly was just five years old when he and his ten siblings ..”
Before finishing her sentence, he interrupted in an unexpected high pitched voice saying: “Ten siblings?”.
She finished: “Sadly lost their mum.”
Catherine has appeared on Ireland AM for 22 years[/caption]
