A television news anchor is now receiving medical care after suddenly appearing unable to read the teleprompter during a live broadcast.
ITV News presenter Rageh Omaar has sparked concern among viewers after becoming unwell live on air during the channel's News at Ten program on Friday (April 26). An excerpt can be seen below (Warning: Some readers may find the footage upsetting):
The 56-year-old journalist, known for his role as international affairs editor at ITV News, appeared to struggle while reading a bulletin about the UK's nightlife.
“For decades, Friday night has been party night. But when people start letting their hair down at the close of the morning week, the weekend, Britain’s towns and cities have traditionally been all about nightlife,” he said, clearly struggling to talk.
“Pubs and clubs packed to the rafters with revelers but that seems to be changing along with people’s priorities as they choose to do things different at different times.”
The scary moment prompted widespread concern on social media, with one viewer writing on X (formerly Twitter): "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."
Another added: "Disturbing to see Rageh Omaar struggling with what looks like a medical issue - it’s terrifying when you’re at work but know something is terribly wrong (I’ve been there) but you think ‘I need to carry on’ - hope he’s ok."
Others were quick to question why Omaar hadn't been pulled from the broadcast sooner.
ITV has now revealed that Omaar is receiving medical care.
"We are aware that viewers are concerned about Rageh Omaar's wellbeing," said an ITV News spokesperson, per BBC News. "Rageh became unwell while presenting News at Ten on Friday and is now receiving medical care. He thanks everyone for their well wishes."
Omaar, who previously served as a foreign correspondent for the BBC and gained prominence for his coverage of the war in Iraq in 2003, now covers major news stories across the globe for ITV News. Additionally, he presents the current affairs program On Assignment.
While no further details about Omaar's condition or the specifics of the incident have been disclosed, ITV took the unusual step of pulling the program from its scheduled re-runs on ITV+1. Instead, a message was displayed informing viewers that ITV was "temporarily unable to bring you our +1 service."
The news of Omaar's health scare has left fans and colleagues alike expressing their concerns and sending well wishes for his speedy recovery.
"It’s good to read that Rageh Omaar is getting medical treatment," one person tweeted. "Always the consummate professional, it was worrying to see him so clearly poorly on air last night. Get well soon lovely man."
And journalist Ayshah Tull added: "Wishing the amazingly kind and wonderful journalist @ragehomaar a speedy recovery and sending my love to his family at what was a very worrying time for them"
We echo the well-wishes - get well soon, Rageh!
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