ITV presenter Rageh Omaar falls ill live on air as medics step in

Rageh Omaar fell ill when presenting ITV's News at Ten show on Friday and medics gave him treatment.

The 56-year-old, who is the channel's News International Affairs Editor, started stumbling over his words in worrying footage. The broadcaster has since confirmed Omaar received medical treatment as fans rushed to express their concern - with one branding the scenes 'disturbing'.

As he discussed a segment about weekend life, Omaar was seen shaking and having difficulty getting his words out.

The show has also been pulled from re-runs by ITV with a message appearing on screen that said: "We'll be back soon. We're temporarily unable to bring you our +1 service. We will resume shortly."

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A spokesperson for the channel 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."

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, viewers of the programme were quick to express concern for Omaar. One person wrote on social media: "Rageh Omaar genuinely appeared to be having a stroke reading ITV News at Ten tonight. Really struggling to string a sentence together and get his words out. Amazed he made it to the end of the bulletin. Hope he's OK."

Another added: "Disturbing to see Rageh Omaar struggling with what looks like a medical issue - it's terrifying when you're at work but know something is terribly wrong (I've been there) but you think 'I need to carry on' - hope he's ok."

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Other comments included: "Something DESPERATELY wrong with ITV newsreader, Rageh Omaar, reader of tonight's Ten. Why on earth he was made to stay on air is beyond belief. Desperately hope he's okay," and, "I hope Omaar is doing okay after watching this on ITV."

Omaar was born in Mogadishu and at the age of two moved to the UK.

Before ITV, Omaar was the BBC's world affairs correspondent. He became ITN's special correspondent in 2013 and later was promoted to being a stand-in presenter for ITV News bulletins. The talented journalist in a doting dad to three and studied at both Oxford's Dragon School and Gloucestershire's Cheltenham College.

Mirror Online has reached out to ITV for further comment.

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