supportive words
Rageh Omaar’s ITV News colleague praises ambulance paramedics who rushed to help him after he fell ill on air
Rageh has since spoken out to confirm he was 'determined to finish' the programme despite being taken ill
RAGEH Omaar's ITV News colleague has praised paramedics after confirming an ambulance rushed to help the star after he fell ill live on air.
ITV News' Royal Editor Chris Ship shared a message of support for his fellow newscaster after the scary on-air incident.
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Chris confirmed that the London Ambulance service were "simply amazing" after providing the News At Ten star with urgent medical care.
Writing on X - formerly Twitter - Chris said: "Wishing our friend and colleague @ragehomaar a fast recovery.
"All his friends at @itvnews are thinking about him. And can I praise the @Ldn_Ambulance paramedics who were quite simply amazing. Thank you."
ITV star Rageh appeared to be unwell as the News At Ten broadcast got underway on Friday evening with furious TV watches slamming ITV's decision to keep him on air despite showing clear signs of illness.
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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.
Rageh and ITV have since spoken out to confirm that he is currently resting at home.
In a statement, they said: "We appreciate viewers of last night’s News at Ten were concerned about Rageh Omaar’s wellbeing.
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“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.”
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.
Rageh has also spoken in the statement, addressing his fans directly.
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."
Rageh, was at the helm of the flagship bulletin, bringing viewers the latest news, when he became noticeably unwell.
Just minutes into the show, those watching at home noticed how the journalist and anchor appeared shaky on screen and was struggling to speak.
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