Chris Evans pulls out moments before BBC Radio 2 breakfast show after 'incredible' mum dies aged 92

Radio presenter left a note with his colleague Vassos Alexander to read out to listeners, which left many of them in tears

Chris Evans had to pull out of his BBC Radio 2 breakfast show moments before he was due to go on air, after his mother Minnie died aged 92.

His colleague, sports reported Vassos Alexander, quickly stepped into cover for him and read a message from Evans to his listeners, which many listeners admitted on Twitter had them in tears.

"Chris isn't here, this is Vassos," he explained. "Chris has been here, in fact, but he had to go just before we came on air. And he's left me a little note to read out to you. Bear with me, this is a little bit difficult for me because we're talking about one of my best friends here."

Reading the note he continued: "Good morning everyone... The reason I'm not here with you today is because just before we came on air my mum passed away, and I needed to go straight back home to be with the family. But it's all OK, in fact it's very OK. Mum needed to be at peace.

"Moreover, she deserved to be at peace. We'd been ready for this for some time now, and as she has throughout life, in death she brought us together. She was an incredible woman. Anyone who has ever met her will tell you that, and ultimately there was no battle lost, only a life won. Every single day. I'll be back tomorrow.

"If mum had the first idea I might not have shown up today because of her she would have been furious. I hope you all have a lovely Tuesday. See you tomorrow."

Radio 2 dedicated the show to the broadcaster and his family. Chris Evans returns to BBC Radio 2 at 6.30am on Friday 4 May.