The star, whose radio programme is the most popular in Northern Ireland, can be heard each morning demanding answers from those in power.

But now the man known to his legions of fans – and quite a few of his enemies – simply as Nolan is taking on a whole new challenge and presenting a quiz show.

"It's something I've wanted to do for a long time," Stephen said.
Panic Attack is due to begin production this month, and could be on our screens as early as April.

"I think Northern Ireland is ready for a prime-time quiz show," he said.
"I've been working on the format for the last two years, and revolves around people being able to perform under pressure."

The lights, sounds and set-up of the show will be about building tension, and contestants who will be able to win cash prizes if they can keep their cool.

In typical fashion, Nolan first blurted out details of the programme, which is due to be filmed later this month, on his Radio Ulster programme.

An on-air call for contestants brought 1,000 responses in two days.
Stephen – whose favourite quiz show on TV at the moment is Deal Or No Deal – is worried, however, that he might get caught up in the emotion.

"My problem is that I tend to panic – the text book says that presenters have to keep distant from it, but you know what I'm like,"
he said.

Trouble

"There's no doubt I'm going to get into trouble over this."

Tickets for Panic Attack can be obtained by calling 0870 333 1918 and there is further information on the webpage bbc.co.uk/ni/tickets.

Meanwhile, the star has been nominated for a prestigious Royal Television Society award.

Nolan is one of three nominees in the best presenter category of the renowned awards.

It won't be the first time he has won an RTS award – in 2005 and 2006 he was named best regional presenter - but this is on a national scale and puts the Nolan show against some television heavyweights.


"I can't believe I've been shortlisted in the last three," he said.

He will be up against Andrew Marr and Grand Designs presenter Kevin McCloud for the award – but, while his co-nominees front nationwide shows, Nolan Live is only shown in the Province.

For Stephen, who is already a multi-award-winner, this latest nomination is another milestone.

"The reality is that I care an awful lot about what I do and put myself under a lot of pressure to keep myself up there," he said.

"When I win an award I believe I have a duty to win it again next year."
And yet he thrives on the excitement of awards shows – especially as, this time round, he will be among world-renowned presenters.

Attention

"I never get sick of it though – and it's amazing the attention it brings you."

But Stephen was uncharacteristically coy when asked if the nomination had led to big-money offers from across the water.

He paused after being asked the question, before saying: "There is a significant level of interest, but I feel a genuine loyalty to BBC Northern Ireland."

Another production, Bullseye Belles, made by Tern Television for BBC Northern Ireland, has been nominated in the category for best Nations and Regions Programme.

The awards, which are set to be presented by Eamonn Holmes, will take place in London on March 19.