Viewers grew concerned after seeing Omaar falling ill
Rageh Omaar, ITV News host, was taken ill on live TV in what viewers described as ‘disturbing’ scenes on Friday night, prompting immediate medical intervention.
The respected 56-year-old journalist and International Affairs Editor for the channel was visibly struggling with his speech during Friday’s News at Ten broadcast, reports the Mirror.
In the concerning footage, Omaar appeared to shake and had trouble speaking clearly while covering a story about weekend activities. Following the incident, ITV pulled the show from its repeat schedule, displaying a message that read: “We’ll be back soon. We’re temporarily unable to bring you our +1 service. We will resume shortly.”
ITV has confirmed that Omaar received medical attention, and fans have been sharing their worries online, with one viewer calling the episode ‘disturbing’.
A statement from the broadcaster reassured the public: “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.”
Social media users, turning to X, formerly known as Twitter, were quick to voice their concerns for Omaar’s health. One alarmed viewer commented: “Rageh Omaar genuinely appeared to be having a stroke reading ITV News at Ten tonight. Really struggling to string a sentence together and get his words out. Amazed he made it to the end of the bulletin. Hope he’s OK.”
One person expressed their concern: “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.”
Other remarks from viewers included: “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,” and “I hope Omaar is doing okay after watching this on ITV.”
Omaar, originally from Mogadishu, moved to the UK when he was just two years old.
Prior to joining ITV, Omaar served as the BBC’s world affairs correspondent. He joined ITN as a special correspondent in 2013 and subsequently took on the role of stand-in presenter for ITV News bulletins.
The esteemed journalist, who is also a devoted father of three, attended Oxford’s Dragon School and Cheltenham College in Gloucestershire.
The Mirror has contacted ITV for additional comment.
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