'determined to finish'
ITV News presenter Rageh Omaar gives health update after panicking fans by falling ill live on air
The News At Ten host sent a message direct to concerned viewers
ITV has a major update on presenter Rageh Omaar's health as the presenter broke his silence after falling ill on air.
An ITV News spokesperson confirmed the 56 year-old is now recovering at his home.
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In a statement, they 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.”
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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When contacted by The Sun last night, a spokesperson for the broadcaster confirmed he was receiving medical treatment.
They 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.”
Many viewers took to social media to share their anger that Rageh was not pulled off the broadcast sooner.
One even accused producers of failing their 'duty of care'.
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, the viewer raged: "Hope you're OK @ragehomaar. I was appalled to see that@itvnews let you continue the broadcast.
"I'd have pulled you off at the first VT. Raises questions about duty of care."
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.
Another agreed, posting: "Just seen the video on TikTok of last night's ITV News. I hope Rageh Omaar makes a full recovery. I'm genuinely surprised that nobody pulled him off air. Yes, it was a live broadcast but clearly he required attention."
An ICU nurse watching tweeted ITV News telling them she called urging he be taken off air, adding that an emergency ambulance should have been summoned.
Former ITV News correspondent Angus Walker has also criticised the bulletin's producers for not stepping in earlier amid the concern.
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, Angus revealed what goes on behind the scenes and said this scenario has played out before.
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He wrote: "Wishing #RagehOmaar well. On a Fri eve the@itvnews newsroom is pretty empty even as News at Ten is on air but there is a duty Editor on call precisely to make any big calls.
"I’ve been asked to step in for a colleague who fell ill just before going live - can and has been done."
One of his followers agreed, saying they should have pulled in Royal Editor Chris Ship to cover.
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They fumed: "@chrisshipitv should have been made to xXx."
The programme was later axed from being re-aired on the channel's +1 service as the broadcaster confirmed he was receiving medical treatment.
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