ITV hit with wave of Ofcom complaints after newsreader falls ill live on air
01.05.2024 - 12:19
/ ok.co.uk
ITV has been hit with a wave of Ofcom complaints from viewers concerned about its newsreader Rageh Omaar's health during Friday's News At Ten. Shocking footage showed the respected journalist bravely trying to do his job while looking pained and seeming to struggle to read the autocue.
TV watchdog Ofcom confirmed to OK! this afternoon that it has received 73 complaints after the broadcast, as viewers got in touch to report their concerns.
The objections related to 56 year old Omaar's "health during this broadcast" of ITV's flagship news bulletin.
ITV said at the time: "We appreciate viewers of 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 his own statement, Rageh - whose work has included covering the invasion of Iraq - explained that he had been "determined" to make it through the entire bulletin. 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." However, it has been reported that there were concerns among his ITV co-stars about the decision, with one insider reported to have told 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
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