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
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.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.
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