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”.
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: “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 Marverine Cole, a newsreader for ITV’s Good Morning Britain, said she wished Omaar “all the very best” in a message on X, formerly known as Twitter.
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.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
