ITV News presenter Rageh Omaar ‘recovering at home’ after hospital treatment
The international affairs editor became unwell while presenting the News At Ten programme on Friday.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.ITV News presenter Rageh Omaar has thanked everyone for their “kindness and good wishes” as he recovers at home after being treated in hospital.
Omaar, the ITV News international affairs editor, was presenting the News At Ten programme on Friday when he appeared to struggle to read the news bulletins – sparking concern online.
Following the broadcast, ITV said the presenter had become “unwell” live on-air and was “receiving medical care”.
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
On Saturday, the 56-year-old said he had been “determined to finish presenting the programme” and thanked his colleagues, viewers and medical staff for their support.
An ITV News spokesperson said in a statement to the PA news agency: “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.”
Omaar added in a statement shared by ITV: “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.”
The broadcaster pulled the News At Ten from its scheduled re-runs on ITV+1, with a message instead telling viewers that ITV were “temporarily unable to bring you our +1 service”.
Omaar’s colleague Chris Ship, the ITV News royal editor, wished his fellow presenter a “fast recovery” in a post to X, formerly known as Twitter.
He added: “All his friends at @itvnews are thinking about him.
“And can I praise the @Ldn_Ambulance paramedics who were quite simply amazing. Thank you.”
Marverine Cole, a newsreader for ITV’s Good Morning Britain, said she wished Omaar “all the very best” in a message on social media.
Channel 5 news anchor Dan Walker also sent good wishes to Omaar, adding: “I hope (he) is ok and is being looked after.”
Channel 4 journalist Ayshah Tull hailed Omaar as an “amazingly kind and wonderful journalist” as she wished him “a speedy recovery”.
Sky News correspondents Daniel Henry and Ashna Hurynag were also among those to send messages of support to the ITV news presenter, with Hurynag praising him as an “absolute legend”.
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.