BBC World Cup presenter suffers seizure live on air
The BBC host was presenting live in Mexico.

Steve Crossman has revealed that he suffered a seizure while presenting BBC Radio 5 Live’s World Cup coverage (Image: BBC)

BBC Radio 5 Live host Steve Crossman has revealed that he suffered a seizure while presenting during the World Cup. Crossman travelled to the tournament, which is being hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, as part of Radio 5 Live’s coverage of the competition. Taking to X, the presenter issued the health update with his followers, explaining that it happened shortly after he arrived in Mexico.

He wrote: “So, I had a seizure whilst on air in Mexico not long after arriving at the World Cup. I stuck it out, inspired by my sister who never let her epilepsy stop her. It’s been tough BUT I’ve been surrounded by amazing @5liveSport friends. (Yes this is another sponsorship plea). The update came just days after Crossman announced that he will run the London Marathon next year in support of the Epilepsy Society, in memory of his late sister.

Fans flocked to the comments to share supportive messages, with one writing: “Sorry to hear this Steve. You are such an excellent broadcaster and come across as a thoroughly decent bloke. All the best.”

Another penned: “Take care Steve. I have epilepsy and I know how difficult things can be and it broke my heart to read about your sister. I hope you get the support by your family as I do mine. I had to surrender my licence for 6 months for my first seizure and 12 months for my second.”

A third shared: “Love listening to you on the radio, I hope you are well and good luck on the marathon next year. You are all doing a brilliant job on the World Cup.”

Another echoed: “Sorry to hear this Steve. Hope you are okay now. Enjoying listening to the American breakfast broadcasts!”

The broadcaster previously discussed his condition during a 5 Live Breakfast segment in 2024, revealing he was diagnosed with epilepsy in 2013 after experiencing his first “proper seizure” the year before.

He said: “I often say to people, ‘Epilepsy is not just seizures.’ Seizures are the worst of epilepsy. They’re awful, they’re embarrassing and they’re physically very dangerous, but the mental health impacts on people who have epilepsy, and the families of people who have epilepsy, is awful.”

Earlier this week, Crossman said he hopes to raise funds by running the London Marathon in tribute to his sister Jill, who died in 2021 after suffering a seizure in her sleep.

He posted: “You’ll have to get used to these posts! We lost my amazing sister Jill to her epilepsy and I’m running the 2027 London Marathon for @epilepsysociety. I’m a sufferer myself of this dreadful disease, if you can spare a couple of quid it’d mean the world.”

Explaining his motivation for taking on the challenge, Crossman wrote on his fundraising page: “I have epilepsy and my sister Jill died from Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) in 2021. She was one of the most resilient people I’ve ever known and if she could find the bravery to live amongst polar bears in Alaska during her amazing life then I think I should be able to plod my way round London!

“Any donation you can give will help the Epilepsy Society to continue their incredible work and will spur me on throughout my training!”