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Rageh Omaar 'refused to step down from ITV News bulletin'

Rageh Omaar 'refused to step down from ITV News bulletin'
© ITV
ITV newsreader Rageh Omaar allegedly refused to abandon Friday's news bulletin despite falling ill live on air.

Rageh Omaar allegedly "refused to move" from his seat during Friday night's News at Ten bulletin on ITV.

The 56-year-old sparked concern from viewers as he appeared to be suffering stroke symptoms while presenting the programme - slurring his words and struggling to form sentences throughout.

ITV had been criticised by some on social media for allowing him to remain on air for the full 30 minutes, but according to the Daily Mail, he rejected multiple attempts to replace him with a backup host.

"The programme team were trying to replace him when they realised there was a problem," a source told the newspaper.

"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."

After the programme ended, Omaar was taken to a nearby hospital, where he spent the night before being discharged on Saturday afternoon.

In a statement, the veteran journalist 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."

The exact nature of Omaar's medical incident has yet to be disclosed.

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Rageh Omaar during ITV News at Ten on April 26, 2024
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