ITV News Anchor Rageh Omaar Issues Statement After Taking Ill On-Air

ITV News at Ten anchor Rageh Omaar thanked viewers and colleagues across the industry for their “kindness” and “concern” after he fell visibly ill during Friday’s live broadcast.

Clips of the anchor appearing to slur his words and appearing incoherent circulated online as viewers and colleagues expressed their fears for the journalist, especially after ITV pulled the re-run of the programme from its ITV+1 service.

The 56-year-old newsreader, who works as the channel’s international affairs editor who began his career covering the invasion of Iraq for the BBC in 2003, stayed on air for the entire 30-minute bulletin.

On Saturday ITV News said: “We appreciate viewers of last night’s News at Ten were concerned about Rageh Omaar’s wellbeing. 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.”

Although no details about Omaar’s illness were shared, the veteran journalist was reportedly treated in hospital but is now at home recovering with his family.

In a statement issued Sunday, Omaar thanked viewers: “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.”