ITV News presenter Rageh Omaar is receiving medical care after he became unwell live on-air.
Omaar, the ITV News International Affairs Editor, was presenting the News at Ten programme on Friday (April 26) night when viewers begun to notice he was struggling to read the news bulletins – sparking concern online.
One viewer on X (formerly Twitter) said: "What on earth is going on with the news presenter on ITV? Struggling to string a coherent sentence together. Very odd."
Another commented: "What’s going on with the ITV News presenter. He doesn’t seem to be well!!"
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. pic.twitter.com/HK4C28Nk97
— Greg Scott Voiceovers (@GregScottVOs) April 26, 2024
While a third person added: "Uncomfortable watching ITV News-Presenter Rage Omaar tonight during live broadcast.
"What happened to him, is he ok & why didn’t they take him off air?"
ITV confirms news presenter Rageh Omaar receiving medical care after becoming unwell live on-air
ITV has now confirmed Omaar, 56, is receiving medical care after becoming unwell while presenting News at Ten on Friday night.
An ITV spokesperson said: "We are aware that viewers are concerned about Rageh Omaar’s wellbeing.
“Rageh became unwell while presenting News at Ten on Friday and is now receiving medical care.
“He thanks everyone for their well wishes.”
Changes in TV Licence fees over the years
It is yet to be revealed what happened to the 56-year-old during the broadcast.
ITV pulls re-run of News at Ten due to Rageh Omaar incident
A re-run of News at Ten was supposed to air on ITV+1 at 11pm on Friday.
However, ITV pulled the show from its scheduled re-runs, with a message instead telling viewers that ITV were “temporarily unable to bring you our +1 service”.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Keith Lemon reveals real reason ITV show with Paddy McGuinness was axed
- BBC confirms future of Death in Paradise spin-off show Beyond Paradise
- Line of Duty star Martin Compston issues update on 'future series'
“We will resume shortly,” it read.
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 has also been a senior foreign correspondent for the BBC, rising to prominence during the invasion of Iraq in 2003.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel