ITV's Rageh Omaar falls ill live in 'desperately wrong' scene as medics step in

Rageh Omaar fell ill when presenting ITV's News at Ten show on Friday and has received medical attention.

While presenting live on air, the 56-year-old International Affairs Editor began to falter in his speech, causing alarm among viewers. Omaar was seen shaking and having difficulty speaking while discussing a segment about weekend life.

Following the incident, ITV pulled the broadcast from its catch-up service, displaying a notice that read: "We'll be back soon. We're temporarily unable to bring you our +1 service. We will resume shortly."

The network has acknowledged the public's concern for Omaar's health, confirming that he fell sick during the live show and has received medical care.

A spokesperson conveyed Omaar's gratitude for the outpouring of support: "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 on X (formerly Twitter), swiftly voiced their worries for the presenter, reports the Mirror.

One 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."

A concerned viewer 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."

Other remarks from the public 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."

Prior to joining ITV, Omaar served as the BBC's world affairs correspondent. He joined ITN in 2013 as a special correspondent 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. Omaar, originally from Mogadishu, moved to the UK when he was just two years old.

Mirror Online has contacted ITV for additional comment.

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