Snooker presenter taken aback as statement released on Mark Allen interview

Mark Allen spoke to presenter Rachel Casey in an incredibly emotional interview on TNT Sports

Mark Allen opened up in an emotional interview with Rachel Casey (Image: TNT Sports)

Presenter Rachel Casey says she has been left overwhelmed by the reaction to her viral interview with Mark Allen. The Irish presenter spoke to Allen after his exit from the Northern Ireland Open in his first return to action, in what turned out to be an emotional and hard-hitting exchange. Allen opened up on his battle with depression and the difficulties he faces away from the snooker table. The 40-year-old had suffered a 4-2 defeat to close friend Jordan Brown, dashing a memorable return in his first appearance of the 2026/27 season in Belfast, when he bravely spoke about his troubles leading to the viral interview with Casey.

Following the reaction across social media, which sparked widespread praise for both Allen and the interviewer, Casey said in a statement: "The response to my interview with Mark Allen has been overwhelming, and has brought a level of attention I neither sought nor expected.

“Last Tuesday I went to present snooker and interview the players for TNT Sports. I never imagined that one conversation would resonate with so many people in such a meaningful way. I’m so glad Mark is getting the support he needs and is doing well. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to send me such kind messages.

“What has touched me most, is hearing from so many people who are facing their own struggles and who have told me that the interview meant something to them. If it has helped even a few people feel less alone, then that means more to me than I can say.

“To anyone out there who is struggling, please know that there is hope, and there can be a road back for you. Behind every athlete is a human being.”

Allen hadn't featured since his World Championship loss earlier this year and his return at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast captured attention. The 40-year-old's interview was one of the first open admission regarding the toils of top-level sport from a current player and Allen later admitted he was in a mental health clinic for 10 weeks before discharging himself to play at the Northern Ireland open.

He said: I’m just trying to survive. I see the light now that I couldn’t see before but I do now,” he wrote. “I also know it won’t happen overnight. I’m a work in progress.”

Jordan Brown beat Mark Allen in the Northern Ireland Open before the emotional interview (Image: Getty)

Brown, whose Northern Ireland Open came to an end at the hands of Scott Donaldson in the quarter-final, was visibly upset during his interview with TNT Sports - which Carey also conducted. The presenter reassured the victor that the win wasn't overshadowed by Allen but his opponent revealed that it was one of his toughest matches.

He said: “It just shows that there are more important things in life than snooker. That was easily the hardest match I’ve ever had to deal with. I don’t even know what to say – I’m lost for words.

“You know, I’ve missed him. I love him. He’s just a great guy through and through. But as hard as it was, I still had to concentrate on what I had to do today. That’s what we’re here to do, we’re here to play snooker.

“In a selfish way, I sort of had to block all the distractions out. I’ve got such great support, and I’m not going through the easiest of times myself. I’m trying to fight tour survival and trying to get my game together. That’s what I had to focus on today, as hard as it was. But I never want to go through something like that again.”