ITV have sparked Ofcom backlash after Rageh Omaar suffered mini-stroke on-air.
73 complaints were made to the broadcasting regulator after the 56-year-old fell unwell while presenting News At Ten on Friday (April 26). In the shocking footage, Omaar sparked concern as he began slurring his words as he introduced the last item on the new programme.
He looked pained as he struggled reading the auto-cue, while his left eye appeared to droop. A stroke nurse reportedly called the channel to tell them that the Somali-born journalist needed urgent medical attention.
ITV bosses have since faced questions over how they handled the emergency. The broadcaster claims there was an attempt to haul Omaar off air, but he insisted on finishing fronting the 30-minute programme.
ITV staff members were also unhappy with how the situation was handled, with a source telling The Times: “There are big questions about why he was allowed to go on air.”
“Perhaps they thought, ‘He is a pro and the adrenaline will kick in when he gets on air.’ Even if you think that he was just having an off day, you don’t need a medical degree to see that it was clear when you watched that something was seriously wrong.”
The insider added: “It is true that they were trying to get him to come off air but someone needs to be able to overrule the presenters when there is a medical emergency.
“The worry is that because he refused to get out of the chair and is taking responsibility for the situation himself, nothing will be done. That’s why people are upset.
“There is this old-fashioned mentality that the show must go on – which is just crazy. We need to look at what happened and make sure that swift and decisive action is taken if anything like this happens again in the future.”
ITV released a statement the following day, revealing Omaar was “recovering at home with his family” after being treated in hospital. 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.”
In a statement published by ITV News, Omaar thanked viewers for their concern and the hospital staff who treated him.
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.”
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