Brian Dowling bids ’emotional’ goodbye to radio show as he says ‘change is good’

THE Six O’Clock Show host Brian Dowling got emotional as he signed off his radio show for the last time until September.

The Kildare native is taking a break from his 98FM show, which he hosts with Suzanne Kane on weekdays from 10am-1pm, this summer to spend time with his growing family.

The 98FM host is preparing for the arrival of baby number two with his husband Arthur Gourounlian and daughter, Blake as his sister Aoife is due to give birth next month.

Brian will be off air for paternity leave until the middle of September.

The 46-year-old signed off on air saying: “This is the last time I’m going to be doing this for 12 weeks, not that I’ve counted.”

Co-host Suzanne got upset and said: “I’m actually already sad now.”

Brian tried to list her spirits saying: “Why are you sad? Change is good.”

Suzanne replied: “I hate change. I mean my change is definitely way better than yours – you’re getting two babies. This time in three weeks you’ll be like, ‘Hello’.”

At the end of the show, Brian said: “I’m going to say… I don’t want to get upset, for the last time – goodbye and I will chat to you all in September.

“I’m getting emotional, who would have thought?”

Suzanne said: “We send all of our love, we are all so excited for you. We will miss you.”

Brian shouted out: “I will see you all in September! Bye.”

The dad-of-one’s fans have all wished him well.

Aoife wrote: “Aww best wishes to Brian, Arthur and gorgeous Blake, Soo excited for you guys.”

Robyn commented: “Best of luck Brian and your fam, you’ll be missed.”

TV personality and social media star James Patrice will be stepping up to fill in for Brian alongside Suzanne Kane for the summer. 

James shared his excitement about spending his summer mornings on the radio as he said: “I’m absolutely buzzing to be joining the 98FM gang for an aul summer sizzle!

“It’s such a joy to be working alongside the sensational Suzanne Kane, not to mention an honour to be stepping into the fabulous shoes of Brian while he celebrates the latest addition to his gorgeous family.

“98FM has always been my go-to for a bitta craic and some banger tunes and I can’t wait to add my own pzazz to proceedings! What’s more, I get to do it with a broadcasting maven and total legend.

“Suzanne and I have already had an absolute ball on the times I’ve filled in for Brian, so I can’t wait to see what we get up to five days a week! Summer in the city – it’s going to be fabulous!”