ITV News presenter ‘receiving medical care’ after becoming ‘unwell’ live on-air-Pierra Willix and Meghna Amin-Entertainment – Metro

ITV News presenter Rageh Omaar is ‘receiving medical care’ after he became ‘unwell’ live on air, ITV has confirmed.

Viewers watching the veteran broadcaster on Friday night were left worried when he appeared to stumble over his words on air, sparking concern.

The journalist, 56, was hosting News at Ten on Friday night when he appeared to struggle to read the news bulletins.

‘We are aware that viewers are concerned about Rageh Omaar’s wellbeing,’ an ITV News spokesperson said.

‘Rageh became unwell while presenting News at Ten on Friday and is now receiving medical care.

‘He thanks everyone for their well wishes.’

It is unclear what happened to Omaar during the broadcast, but at the conclusion of the 30 minute programme, he again stumbled.

‘And that’s it for tonight. Thank you….and have a great weekend,’ he said after a brief pause.

Many people weighed in, expressing concern about his health.

Rageh Omaar has left ITV viewers concerns for his health (Picture: ITV)

Omaar is a Deputy Newscaster of ITV News at Ten (Picture: Ken McKay/REX/Shutterstock)

‘Crikey ITV News please look after Rageh and take him off air, he seems to be really struggling, whatever it is he appears to be really unwell. It’s like he’s having a stroke,’ Nerys Evans posted 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,’ Greg Scott shared.

‘The poor man did not seem at all well tonight and it was extremely worrying to watch,’ Geraldine Pointing added.

It was later set to be replayed on ITV1, however five minutes into the broadcast it was pulled, with viewers being met with the message: ‘We’ll be back soon. We are temporarily unable to bring you our +1 service. We will resume shortly.’

ITV confirmed he is receiving medical care (Picture: ITV)

Omaar joined ITV News in 2013 (Picture: ITV)

Omaar was previously a senior foreign correspondent for the BBC (Picture: Jonathan Hordle/REX/Shutterstock)

One viewer said it had been ‘upsetting’ watching him on air while many others said it was ‘concerning’.

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 was also a senior foreign correspondent for the BBC, rising to prominence during the invasion of Iraq in 2003, before moving to ITV News in 2013.

Since October 2015, alongside his duties as International Affairs Editor, Omaar has been a Deputy Newscaster of ITV News at Ten.

Metro.co.uk has reached out to ITV for comment.

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