Update on ITV News presenter hospitalised after 'feeling unwell' on air (2024)

ITV News presenter Rageh Omaar is ‘recovering at home with his family’ after he became ‘unwell’ live on air, ITV has confirmed, but viewers have been left confused as to why he was presenting for so long, despite facing difficulties.

Viewers watching the veteran broadcaster on Friday night were left worried when he appeared to stumble over his words on air, sparking concern.

The journalist, 56, was hosting News at Ten on Friday night when he appeared to struggle to read the news bulletins.

‘We are aware that viewers are concerned about Rageh Omaar’s wellbeing,’ an ITV News spokesperson said.

‘Rageh became unwell while presenting News at Ten on Friday and is now receiving medical care.

‘He thanks everyone for their well wishes.’

It is unclear what happened to Omaar during the broadcast, but at the conclusion of the 30 minute programme, he again stumbled.

‘And that’s it for tonight. Thank you….and have a great weekend,’ he said after a brief pause.

Many people weighed in, expressing concern about his health, though Omaar later confirmed he was ‘determined’ to stay on.

‘Crikey ITV News please look after Rageh and take him off air, he seems to be really struggling, whatever it is he appears to be really unwell. It’s like he’s having a stroke,’ Nerys Evans posted on X.

‘Something DESPERATELY wrong with ITV newsreader, Rageh Omaar, reader of tonight’s Ten. Why on earth he was made to stay on air is beyond belief. Desperately hope he’s okay,’ Greg Scott shared.

‘The poor man did not seem at all well tonight and it was extremely worrying to watch,’ Geraldine Pointing added.

Jess fumed: ‘Like all workplaces, ITV News have a duty of care to their staff. Rageh Omaar usually has very clear speech. Tonight he is clearly struggling, perhaps even seriously ill. ITV shouldn’t have allowed him to continue with this broadcast.’

Sasha also wrote: ‘I have submitted a complaint to Ofcom in regards to this evenings ITV 10pm news as I feel @itvnews have failed in their duty of care towards Rageh Omaar and the distress it has caused to viewers I truly hope he is ok.’

‘I hope he’s ok. Why did ITV not stop the broadcast? Why did they not rush to check on him when he finished the news? They just kept the camera on him sitting there. Their duty of care is still shocking,’ Caz agreed.

It was later set to be replayed on ITV1, however five minutes into the broadcast it was pulled, with viewers being met with the message: ‘We’ll be back soon. We are temporarily unable to bring you our +1 service. We will resume shortly.’

One viewer said it had been ‘upsetting’ watching him on air while many others said it was ‘concerning’.

Fellow newsreader Dan Walker was amongst those sharing their well-wishes today, writing: ‘Wishing Rageh Omaar all the best today. I hope is ok and is being looked after.’

Following concern, an ITV News spokesperson said: ‘We appreciate viewers of last night’s News at Ten were concerned about Rageh Omaar’s wellbeing.

‘Following medical treatment at hospital, he is now recovering at home with his family.

‘We are wishing Rageh a speedy recovery and look forward to him being back on screen when he feels ready.”

Omaar added: ‘I would like to thank everyone for their kindness and good wishes, especially all the medical staff, all my wonderful colleagues at ITV News, and our viewers who expressed concern.

‘At the time, I was determined to finish presenting the programme. I am grateful for all the support I’vebeengiven.’

Omaar is responsible for covering major news stories across the world as the International Affairs Editor, while also presenting ITV’s current affairs programme On Assignment.

During his career, he was also a senior foreign correspondent for the BBC, rising to prominence during the invasion of Iraq in 2003, before moving to ITV News in 2013.

Since October 2015, alongside his duties as International Affairs Editor, Omaar has been a Deputy Newscaster ofITV News at Ten.

Metro.co.uk has reached out to ITV for comment.

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