The BBC’s former Political Editor Andrew Marr, 66, worried his listeners last night (December 11) after he sounded breathless while presenting his LBC evening show.

Things started out as usual during the broadcast of Tonight With Andrew Marr. But then, when he started talking about the Global Player Awards, he began to struggle.

As he got through the sentence, he began talking increasingly fast and started sounding as if he was struggling for breath. As a result, listeners took to social media to share their concerns.

However, this evening (December 12), Andrew’s agent has told ED! that he “recovered quickly”. She also revealed what had caused his breathlessness.

LBC listeners expressed concern for Andrew Marr last night (Credit: Splash News)

Listeners worried

While some theorised the incident was due to a panic attack, others suggested it could’ve been related to a stroke Andrew suffered in 2013.

“Is Andrew Marr okay?” one concerned listener asked. “Sounded a bit like hyperventilating or a panic attack.” “Not a fan of Andrew Marr but that was an awful listen,” a second remarked. “Hope he’s okay.”

A third agreed that while they “can’t stand his politics”, the broadcast was “upsetting to listen to”.

“That sounds like a significant health issue,” a fourth remarked. Another added that it “isn’t the first time it’s happened”. They added: “I’ve noticed this before! Then in the next segment, he’s fine. It’s like he calms down. He’ll be fine, I’m sure.”

Andrew’s agent shares statement

The presenter’s agent confirmed that Andrew has had a heavy cold this week, and also said that he still feels the impact of his stroke.

She told us: “After his stroke sometimes Andrew’s left lung does not work as well as it should.” She added: “He had a heavy cold and recovered quickly.”

As listeners also pointed out, Andrew did return to air and finished his show without further issues.

Andrew has previously opened up about his stroke (Credit: Splash News)

Andrew Marr on his stroke

In a 2023 interview with The Guardian, Andrew said that he has had an “incredibly good decade” since his stroke.

“I’ve been largely vertical and communicating for the past 10 years,” he quipped. “It’s been pretty good, though I’ve still got deficits: I’m hemiplegic, my left arm really doesn’t work much, my left leg only works a bit, I walk in a sort of jerky way.

“I can’t do my laces. I can’t cycle. I can’t run. I can’t swim. But I focus on what I can do, which includes painting and drawing, and I try to walk five miles a day.”

Tonight With Andrew Marr runs on LBC Monday – Thursday from 6-7 pm. Andrew is expected to return to work as normal on Monday.