ITV hit by wave of Ofcom complaints after Rageh Omaar falls ills live on News at Ten

ITV News has been hit with Ofcom complaints from viewers over a bulletin which saw presenter Rageh Omaar fall ill live on air. The 56-year-old prompted concern from viewers when he appeared to struggle to get his words out and seemed to be shaking.

He became unwell towards the end of News at Ten on Friday, April 26. The broadcaster later confirmed that he had received medical care.

Omaar is now said to be recovering at home. Viewers rushed to social media at the time of the ordeal and said he should not have been allowed to continue presenting.

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ITV News received 73 complaints over the bulletin, Mirror reports. Bosses are believed to have tried to let the standby presenter switch places with Omaar but he reportedly remained determined to finish his segment.

In a statement at the time, 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."

Omaar later issued a statement through ITV to say he was doing well. He said: "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've been given." An ITV News spokesperson later added: "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."A source previously said the ITV team had tried to step in but Omaar wanted to carry on.

They said: "The programme team were trying to replace him when they realised there was a problem. They sent the standby presenter to the set to take over but he insisted on remaining on air. No-one could get him out of his chair. He refused to move.

"Even when he was told he had to go and that the team had called for medical help. Everyone did everything they could to help him. Rageh is a consummate professional. He was determined to finish what he had started. It was an awful, awful night."

Concerned viewers turned to social media following the episode. One person said on social media: "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."

Another said: "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."

A third said: "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."