Viewers expressed concern for his wellbeing during the broadcast
ITV newsreader Rageh Omaar is receiving medical care after he became “unwell” live on air, ITV has said.
Omaar was presenting the News at Ten on ITV1 on Friday when he started to stumble over his words and struggled to read the bulletins.
The broadcast prompted widespread concern and worry for the well-known newsreader, who serves as as international affairs editor at ITV News.
Sharing a clip of Omaar on the News at Ten, one person wrote on X: “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 said: “I really hope that Rageh Omaar is ok? He didn’t seem well tonight on the ITV ITN News. He is a fantastic journalist and we are thinking about him tonight.”
A third shared: “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.”
The broadcaster has since confirmed that Omaar is receiving medical care after becoming “unwell” during the programme.
A 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.”
No further details about his condition or what happened to him during the broadcast have been revealed.
Following the broadcast, ITV made the decision not to show the programme on ITV1+1.
Before joining ITV, Omaar had worked as senior foreign correspondent for the BBC, and rose to prominence for his coverage of the invasion of Iraq in 2003.
Along with being ITV News’ international affairs editor, he also presents current affairs progrramme On Assignment for the channel.
