ITV News was thrown into chaos as bosses tried to persuade Rageh Omaar to step down after he fell ill during a live broadcast – but the journalist insisted on finishing his job.
During Friday nights ITV News at Ten, Omaar was delivering a report on weekend leisure activities when it became apparent he was having difficulty speaking. Despite this, the 56 year old was resolute in his decision to finish the news programme, even as concern from the production team escalated.
Following the broadcast, Omaar was taken to hospital for immediate treatment. While the specific nature of his illness has not been disclosed, there is speculation from medical professionals that he may have experienced early symptoms of a mini-stroke, known as a transient ischaemic attack (TIA).
Read more: Netflix Baby Reindeer’s real-life Martha blasts ‘fat’ Yorkshire actress playing her
A source from ITV News told the Mail on Sunday: “The programme team were trying to replace him when they realised there was a problem. 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.”
Rageh was subsequently released from the hospital the next day and is now recovering at home with his family.
A TIA or mini-stroke occurs when blood supply to specific sections of the brain is momentarily hampered by a moving clot or narrowing arteries, reports the Mirror.
Staff nurse Fiona Clark noted that she alerted ITV about the situation at around 10:30 pm, stating “as an ICU nurse who worked in stroke, that Rageh Omaar required an emergency ambulance, he was dysphasic, drooped left eye, slurred speech and agitated all Fast symptoms”.
The acronym FAST – inclusive of face, arms, speech, and time – serves to quickly diagnose potential stroke cases. Afterwards, Rageh released a statement acknowledging viewers and his team at ITN.
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.”
An ITV spokesperson confirmed that they understood News at Ten viewers were “concerned about Rageh Omaar’s well-being.”
They continued: “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.”
The father of three first gained recognition as a foreign correspondent for the BBC during the invasion of Iraq and the fall of Baghdad in 2003. In 2006, he made the move to Al Jazeera English. By 2013, he had become a special correspondent and presenter at ITV.
The Mirror has reached out to Rageh Omaar and ITV for further comment.
Get all the latest and breaking news in Yorkshire by signing up to our newsletter here.
Read More: World News | Entertainment News | Celeb News
YorkshireLive
