Chris Evans announces birth of twins called Ping and Pong

'Ping popped her head out at 2210, Pong popped his head out 12 minutes later at 22 minutes past 10,' presenter says

Jack Shepherd
Thursday 20 September 2018 10:00 BST
Comments
Natasha Shishmanian on the chaos she faced the day before she gave birth

Chris Evans’ wife Natasha Shishmanian has given birth to twins, a boy and girl affectionately nicknamed “Ping and Pong” throughout the pregnancy.

The news was announced live on the Radio 2 Breakfast Show by guest host Sara Cox on Thursday (20 September).

“Ping and Pong arrived safe and well last night,” a statement from Evans read.

“Ping popped her head out at 22:10, Pong popped his head out 12 minutes later at 22 minutes past 10. Both healthy, both strong, happy and blessed, as was mum throughout.

“Infinite thanks to the amazing team at Frimley Park Hospital, amazing people, amazing professionals, helping dreams come true. Thank you.”

Looking at a photo of the newborns wearing bobble hats, Cox joked on air: “It sounded like a night to remember. Huge congrats, beautiful news.”

Evans had called Shishmanian during Wednesday’s Breakfast show to ask how she was before her labour was induced later in the day.

The pair have two other sons, Noah and Eli, with Evans having another daughter, Jade, from his previous relationship with ex-fiance Alison Ward.

Evans had announced they were expecting twins in April earlier this year, revealing that Shishmanian was pregnant after “one last hurrah” at IVF treatment.

Last week, the former Top Gear host said the names Ping and Pong were “working titles” for the babies, and that he was considering using them as middle names.

Apple TV+ logo

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled

Try for free
Apple TV+ logo

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled

Try for free

The news comes as reports swelled around Zoe Ball taking over the Radio 2 Breakfast show from Evans.

Should the Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two host take the position, she would be the first permanent female host of the flagship programme.

Cox was another name in contention to take over from Evans, the presenter joking about the rumours during Thursday morning's broadcast.

“Well here we are then, welcome along to the show,” she said. ”My name is Sara Cox, we never thought we would get here, this is your brand new Radio 2 Breakfast show and I just want to say I am so thrilled. I would like to thank my mum for her support...”

She then broke off and could be heard speaking to someone in the background, saying: “Just one day? Oh.” The show then cut to music.

A BBC spokesperson said: “We are considering and talking to a number of people. We haven’t made a decision and we’ll make an announcement when we have.”

Meanwhile, Evans will be returning to Virgin Radio in the New Year to host their breakfast show. He previously hosted the Virgin show between 1997 and 2001.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in