Christmas is always a busy time for the couple, who are both producers of the National Stadium panto – which Karl writes and Alan stars as the iconic Sammy Sausages
Alan Hughes and Karl Broderick
Alan Hughes and husband Karl Broderick have lifted the lid on their Christmas plans.
The pair are always super busy this time of year thanks to producing the panto at the National Stadium – so by the time the big day rolls around, they just want to spend some quiet time together.
They enjoy taking the time to relax on Christmas Day, in a much-needed break out of their hectic schedule.
“It’s a lovely time, and it’s lovely that we’re able to spend that time together at Christmas,” said Ireland AM presenter Alan. “We get such little time at home for Christmas. Christmas Day does become that very special day where you can just go, ‘phew!’
“We’re back in on Stephen’s Day. Over the years, the two of us haven’t even gotten out of pyjamas on Christmas Day – it’s just totally chill.”
While panto season does mean the pair only get one day off, it also means the Christmas magic gets to go on a bit longer. Speaking to the Sunday World, Karl said: “Even a week or two weeks later, the kids are still going in their Christmas clothes It’s still a Christmas thing for them, and for a lot of people. We get to live in Christmas for a lot longer.”
The couple also spoke about being a gay couple in the public eye, and how they have received well-wishes and kind messages from people because of it.
“I’m on Ireland AM 25 years and I’ve always spoken about Karl openly,” said Alan. Karl added: “People come up to us all the time, and they say stuff like: ‘I could come out because m mum would talk about Alan and Alan’s husband.’ A lot of lesbians will say to us: ‘My granny loved Alan and knew Alan had a husband, and then I could come out’. It means an awful lot to us.”
It comes as earlier this year, Alan spoke about being on Ireland AM over 25 years.
“Twenty six years, yes,” he told RSVP Magazine. “I’m the last man standing. We all had a bit of a break over the summer and we’re looking forward to the new season, we’ve lots of things planned. The summer breaks things up a little bit, so it’s nice to get back into our routine.
“Before you say “Are you still enjoying it?” Yes I am, I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t enjoying it. I was out and about recently and someone said to me that they love this dynamic and they have been watching the show from day one. That says something.”