BBC Morning Live favourite Dr Xand van Tulleken experienced a dramatic interruption to his workday when he received the call every expectant father waits for. The 47-year-old medic had to abandon a podcast recording instantly after his wife, Dr Dolly Theis, phoned to announce she had gone into labour.
The Urgent Call from Home
Dr van Tulleken was in the studio recording an episode of his 'What's Up Docs' podcast with his brother, Christoffer, when the crucial call came through. The couple, who married in 2023 and already have a 21-month-old son named Rex, were expecting their daughter in November 2025. Dolly, recognising the familiar sensations from her previous labour, immediately contacted her husband.
In audio from the moment, she could be heard explaining, "So I think I'm pretty sure it's starting. I'm just feeling quite sort of... not massively frequent but quite regular period painy feelings that were very similar to what I had when you got home when I went into labour with Rex!"
A Brother's Stern Advice
After sharing the news with his co-host brother, Xand found himself on the receiving end of some blunt advice. He turned to Chris and stated, "Chris we're now 41 weeks plus one, Dolly's having regular period pain." His sibling, however, was left dumbstruck by Xand's continued presence in the studio.
"Why are you still speaking? I think you've gotta leave!" Chris told him. Taking the hint, Xand, who also has a teenage son, Julian, from a previous relationship, dashed from the studio to be at his wife's side for the birth.
A Perfect Home Arrival
The swift departure was well-timed. Several hours later, on 27 November 2025 at 10:30pm, the couple welcomed their daughter, Daphne Rita Adora van Tulleken, in a beautiful home setting. The baby was born at home between the fireplace and the family's Christmas tree, which had been decorated just the night before.
In a joyful follow-up video shared on social media on Saturday 3 January 2026, the elated father said, "'So I got home in good time, having sprinted from the studio but Dolly was in labour and our daughter Daphne was born at home... 'She is doing brilliantly, her mum is doing brilliantly, she is absolutely perfect." He delighted fans by showing the newborn's feet, declaring nothing nicer exists.
Dolly also shared her own post, praising the "loveliest, most efficient team of midwives" who assisted with the home birth and subsequent hospital trip for placenta removal before the family returned home for "milky newborn cuddles."
Dr Xand, known for his science experiments on TV and hosting BBC Horizon specials, began his regular role on BBC Morning Live in July last year. He is also a descendant of Dutch rear-admiral Jan van Hoogenhouck Tulleken, from whom the family's 'van Tulleken' title originates.
