ITV News at Ten slammed by ‘appalled’ viewers after presenter Rageh Omaar falls ill live on air
ITV's News At Ten has been slammed by 'appalled' viewers after presenter Rageh Omaar fell ill during a live broadcast.
The 56-year-old presenter was fronting the flagship bulletin last night when he sparked concern as he appeared shaky on screen and struggled to get his words out.
He completed the broadcast, but a repeat of the programme was pulled from ITV's +1 channel, and a spokesperson revealed medics were treating him.
But some viewers - including medical professionals watching - were furious with ITV and its news production arm ITN, for not replacing Rageh on the show when it was clear he was not well.
'DUTY OF CARE'
One even accused producers of failing their 'duty of care'.
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, a viewer raged: "Hope you're OK @ragehomaar. I was appalled to see that@itvnews let you continue the broadcast.
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"I'd have pulled you off at the first VT. Raises questions about the duty of care."
Another seconded this, posting: "Just seen the video on TikTok of last night's ITV News. I hope Rageh Omaar makes a full recovery.
"I'm genuinely surprised that nobody pulled him off air. Yes, it was a live broadcast but clearly he required attention."
An ICU nurse watching tweeted ITV News telling them she called urging he be taken off air, adding that an emergency ambulance should have been summoned.
Meanwhile, a fourth viewer added: "The first few minutes are actually worse than the other clips that have been circulating.
"Why the hell didn't ITV intervene and get him medical assistance is beyond me."
ITV SPEAKS OUT
The Sun has contacted ITV and ITN for comment as to why Rageh was allowed to continue with the broadcast.
Last night, a spokesperson gave an update: "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.”
Who is ITV News presenter Rageh Omaar?
Rageh has been a familiar face on British screens for years on both the BBC and ITV
Rageh, 56, was born July 19, 1967 and is a Somali-born British journalist and writer - best known as a BBC world affairs correspondent, where he made his name reporting from Iraq.
He was born in Mogadishu, and moved to the UK when he was just two.
Rageh started his TV career at the BBC in 2004 where he worked in Ethiopia as the broadcaster's first Africa correspondent.
In January 2013, he moved to ITV News where he became special correspondent.
The following year he was promoted International Affairs Editor and has became a regular fronting both the lunchtime and evening news bulletins since 2017.
On September 19, 2022, he was one of the Royal reporters covering the funeral of Queen Elizabeth.
Away from our screens, Rageh is married to Georgiana Rose Montgomery-Cuninghame and they have three children.
WHAT +1 VIEWERS SAW
After ITV decided not to re-air the bulletin on its +1 channel, a message appeared: "We'll be back soon. We're temporarily unable to bring you our +1 service.
"We will resume shortly."
Taking to social media at the time, many viewers were understandably concerned.
One asked: "What happened to him, is he ok & why didn’t they take him off air?"
A second wrote: "Hoping Rageh Omaar got the care he quite clearly needed after the ITV news tonight.
"Not entirely sure of the context and why he had to continue broadcasting, but I’m sure there will be an explanation in time."
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"Really upsetting viewing. Struggling to speak and slurring words," chipped in a third.
While a fourth commented: "I thought he was just having problems with the autocue but I hope he’s feeling better."