Charlene White has given an update on her ITV News colleague Rageh Omaar, who left viewers concerned after he fell ill during a live broadcast last month.
Those tuned into the channel were left shocked as the veteran broadcaster began to slur his words while his left eye seemed to droop as he introduced the News at 10 on April 26.
Omaar seemed to struggle to read out sentences and bulletins as he attempted to deliver the latest news, which immediately sent alarm bells ringing with viewers.
An hour later, ITV decided not to repeat the news broadcast on its catch-up channel, ITV+1.
The following day, it was revealed Omaar had later received medical treatment and the same night, the 56-year-old thanked viewers and medical staff for the support he’d received.
He stated: “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.
White gave an update on her ITV co-star
ITV
“At the time, I was determined to finish presenting the programme. I am grateful for all the support I’ve been given.”
It is understood the journalist has been recovering at home with his family but no updates on his condition have since been given.
Loose Women and ITV News co-star White, 43, recently talked about her colleague’s recovery after previously becoming frustrated by the coverage of the incident.
Speaking at Sunday night’s BAFTAs, White said Omaar was “doing really well.”
Rageh Omaar appeared to slur his words in a frightening moment caught on air
ITV
Speaking to The Sun, she continued: “I think when he wants to talk about what happened then he will.
“ITV News is a family, we have been checking up on him daily and continuously in fact to make sure he has the support he needs.”
It comes after viewers criticised ITV over its handling of the situation, with Ofcom receiving complaints over the broadcaster’s response.
Concerned ITV fans questioned why Omaar continued to present the news despite worrying signs indicating he was struggling.
White had previously spoken out to demand people ‘stop’ sharing the clip of her colleague
ITV
It led to 73 official Ofcom complaints despite ITV releasing a statement saying the newsreader had received “medical treatment”.
White also spoke out at the time, taking to Instagram to address the speculation from viewers.
She fumed: “How about everyone stops posting and re-posting a video of a man becoming unwell live on TV?
“Who does that benefit? Sometimes real life isn’t just about upping your engagement figures, and upping your likes.”
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