ITV's Rageh Omaar receiving medical care after falling ill on-air

Omaar, the ITV News International Affairs Editor, was presenting the News at Ten programme on Friday (April 26) night when viewers begun to notice he was struggling to read the news bulletins – sparking concern online.

One viewer on X (formerly Twitter) said: "What on earth is going on with the news presenter on ITV? Struggling to string a coherent sentence together. Very odd."

Another commented: "What’s going on with the ITV News presenter. He doesn’t seem to be well!!"

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. pic.twitter.com/HK4C28Nk97

— Greg Scott Voiceovers (@GregScottVOs) April 26, 2024

While a third person added: "Uncomfortable watching ITV News-Presenter Rage Omaar tonight during live broadcast.

"What happened to him, is he ok & why didn’t they take him off air?"

ITV confirms news presenter Rageh Omaar receiving medical care after becoming unwell live on-air

ITV has now confirmed Omaar, 56, is receiving medical care after becoming unwell while presenting News at Ten on Friday night.

An ITV 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.”

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It is yet to be revealed what happened to the 56-year-old during the broadcast.

ITV pulls re-run of News at Ten due to Rageh Omaar incident

A re-run of News at Ten was supposed to air on ITV+1 at 11pm on Friday.

However, ITV pulled the show from its scheduled re-runs, with a message instead telling viewers that ITV were “temporarily unable to bring you our +1 service”.

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“We will resume shortly,” it read.

Omaar is responsible for covering major news stories across the world as the International Affairs Editor, while also presenting ITV’s current affairs programme On Assignment.

During his career, he has also been a senior foreign correspondent for the BBC, rising to prominence during the invasion of Iraq in 2003.