Rageh: I wanted to carry on
NEWS at Ten presenter Rageh Omaar, who fell ill during a live TV bulletin, has insisted he was determined to finish presenting the programme.
Concerned viewers flooded the ITV switchboard after the popular broadcaster was seen shaking and struggling to get his words out on Friday night. But he carried on for another 20 minutes until the end of the programme before being rushed to hospital.
Last night, Omaar, 56, speaking from the west London home he shares with his wife Georgiana Rose Montgomery-cuninghame and their three children, 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.”
An ITV News spokesperson added: “We appreciate viewers of last night’s News at Ten were concerned about Rageh’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.”
Before Omaar’s statement was released there had been criticism on social media that
ITV had not replaced him during Friday’s primetime programme.
Former ITV News correspondent Angus Walker criticised producers for not stepping in earlier, unaware it had been Omaar’s decision to carry on.
He wrote on X: “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.”
However another ITV presenter, India Willoughby, said: “Worrying to see what happened – but unfair to blame those in the ITV News gallery for carrying on.
“It’s live TV, maybe only two people in the gallery on a Friday evening. Sure
‘I was determined to finish presenting’ ‘He is recovering at home with his family’
they will have asked if OK. Get well soon Rageh Omaar.”
Other colleagues of Omaar offered their best wishes on social media.
Fellow broadcaster Dan Walker tweeted: “Wishing Rageh Omaar all the best today. I hope is OK and is being looked after.”
Marverine Cole, a newsreader on Good Morning Britain, wished him “all the very best” in a message on X.
And Channel 4 journalist Ayshah Tull also took to X to wish Somalia-born Omaar “a speedy recovery”.