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ITV newsreader Rageh Omaar who sparked concern after falling ill live on-air reportedly ‘refused to move’ despite a replacement being brought in for the broadcast.
On Friday night, people watching the broadcaster’s News at Ten programme expressed their concern on social media after the 56-year-old appeared to stumble over his words while reading from the autocue.
An ITV News spokesperson later confirmed that Omaar had received medical treatment at hospital after falling unwell during the broadcast, adding that he had since returned home to recover with his family.
In his own statement, the veteran journalist said that he had been ‘determined to finish presenting the programme’.
After ITV received some criticism from viewers who were confused why Omaar was continuing to read the news despite something appearing to be wrong, it’s now been claimed that he refused to leave his position.
An ITV News source told The Mail on Sunday: ‘The programme team were trying to replace him when they realised there was a problem.
Viewers expressed concern after Omaar appeared to stumble over his words on the news (Picture: ITV)
‘They sent the standby presenter to the set to take over but he insisted on remaining on air. No-one could get him out of his chair. He refused to move.
‘Even when he was told he had to go and that the team had called for medical help. Everyone did everything they could to help him. Rageh is a consummate professional.
‘He was determined to finish what he had started. It was an awful, awful night.’
In his statement, Omaar thanked everyone who had reached out with their ‘kindness and good wishes’.
He also gave a special shout-out to the medical staff, and his ‘wonderful colleagues at ITV News’.
Omaar thanked members of the public for their well-wishes (Picture: Ken McKay/Rex/Shutterstock)
Omaar is the International Affairs Editor at ITV, covering major news stories from around the world in his role.
He also presents the broadcaster’s current affairs programme on Assignment, and is the Deputy Newscaster at ITV News at Ten.
He joined ITV News in 2013 after working as a senior foreign correspondent at the BBC.
After Omaar received medical treatment, an ITV News spokesperson 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.’
Metro.co.uk has contacted ITV and Rageh’s representatives for comment.
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