Tommy Bowe Pranks Alan Hughes During Pantomime Show Chaos

Alan Hughes, a prominent figure on the morning television scene, recently shared a humorous incident involving his colleague, Tommy Bowe, during a pantomime show. The prank left Hughes unable to access his dressing room, resulting in a comical disruption just before a costume change.

Hughes, who has been with Ireland AM since its inception in 1999, explained that Bowe’s antics on set caused “havoc.” After stepping out briefly, Hughes returned to find his dressing room filled with tables and chairs, making it impossible for him to change for the finale. “Tommy was laughing his head off in the corridor and thought it was hilarious,” Hughes recounted in an interview with The Irish Sun.

While the festive season is a busy time for television hosts, Hughes, Bowe, and co-host Muireann O’Connell have remained committed to their early morning slots. O’Connell recalled a particularly hectic morning when she woke up just minutes before going live. “I woke up at 6:20 a.m. one day but was in front of the cameras at three minutes to seven,” she shared. This experience was not the norm, but it illustrates the commitment the team has to their audience.

Bowe, who commutes from his family home in Belfast, faces additional challenges getting to the studio. His journey takes approximately an hour and a half, during which he often listens to podcasts or previous shows. “There’s only been one show I missed about two years ago during the big winds,” Bowe noted, humorously recounting how a fallen tree caused him to turn back.

Hughes highlighted that the real challenge often lies with guests rather than the hosting team. “There’s a great team behind the show, and they will quickly make it work,” he said, noting the show’s adaptability. If a guest cannot make it to the studio, the production team efficiently arranges alternatives, sometimes even incorporating Zoom appearances.

As the longest-serving host on the programme, Hughes has seen many changes over the years. He expressed his fondness for the current team, stating that he enjoys working with both Bowe and O’Connell more than any previous colleagues. “I never hated anybody I worked with, but there have been people over the years I didn’t get on as well as I do with the team now,” he commented.

Recently, Hughes signed a new contract, ensuring his continued presence on the show as it approaches its 26th season. Reflecting on his career, he acknowledged how fortunate he has been to remain in television for such an extended period, particularly compared to his earlier experiences in broadcasting. “I remember on my first show, my producer warned me that everything shifts every five years. I had friends who disappeared from the industry entirely,” he recalled.

This season, Ireland AM has welcomed new personalities, including Eric Roberts, who has gained popularity for his entertaining TikTok videos. Hughes mentioned that the dynamic of the current team is particularly special to him, highlighting the camaraderie shared among the hosts.

In this bustling environment of early-morning television, the blend of humor, commitment, and adaptability continues to define the success of Ireland AM.