Jeff Stelling's instant response after confirming break from talkSPORT on air

Jeff Stelling has issued a response after talkSPORT confirmed he would be taking a break from providing coverage in a now-deleted X post.

After leaving Sky Sports in 2023 following 30 years with the broadcaster, the 70-year-old presenter joined the UK’s most-listened-to sports radio station and currently hosts the Breakfast show alongside former Rangers and Scotland forward Ally McCoist from 6am to 10am on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Ex-Ipswich forward Alan Brazil shares hosting duties with Stelling.

Tuesday’s (17 February) show appeared like any other until the Hartlepool-born host dropped a bombshell which no doubt surprised listeners.

At the end of the programme, he confirmed that he would be taking a break from hosting duties.

“We’ve had so many texts [on today’s show] that I’m going to have to take a break, which is what I’m going to do,” he said.

This came just weeks after Brazil was taken off air during a show in January, before the Scot took a few weeks off.

He later confirmed that he had contracted an ear infection.

“I had a big infection in my right ear and my left ear was blocked… I was sat here thinking I was going to fall off my chair,” Brazil has explained since.

“That’s the worst I’ve been — terrible.”

talkSPORT then posted a graphic confirming Stelling’s break on its social media channels, which provoked a reaction from fans, with many asking why the broadcasting legend was taking a step back.

Stelling then replied via his own social media.

“Just for clarity, couple of weeks off,” he wrote in reply to talkSPORT’s now-deleted X post.

“I’m just going to chill out for a bit of rest and relaxation,” Stelling had already confirmed on the Breakfast show.

“I’ll see you when I’m back.”

Just for clarity, a couple of weeks off !!!

— Jeff Stelling (@JeffStelling) February 17, 2026

Brazil will step in during Stelling’s absence.

Meanwhile, fans of the show were quick to react to Stelling’s response on social media.

One said: “Victim of talkSPORT’s own clickbait. Have a word, Jeff.”

Another added: “So taking annual leave then.”

While a third commented: “Lol, they were ready to write your obituary, Jeff! Enjoy your break.”