Legendary broadcaster Nicholas Owen has paid tribute to ITV newsreader Rageh Omaar.
Speaking to Camilla Tominey Today on GB News this morning, Nicholas, who worked for decades at ITV, said: “Of course I can identify with what happened. I know no Rageh very well and he is a very distinguished correspondent and great presenter.
“You just want to finish the job if you sit in that chair where millions of people and more are watching you and listening to you.
“I can remember going in the studio once or twice, thinking ‘well I don’t feel particularly 100 per cent today’ but usually you know Dr. Studio if that’s the right term and kicks in. Dr. Studio takes over and you get through.
Nicholas Owen says he can understand why Rageh Omaar carried on
GB NEWS / ITV
“Apparently he wasn’t terribly well the previous night. So perhaps my dear colleagues, and I worked at ITV for many years very, very happily, perhaps they might have stepped in and just insisted he step back?
“I don’t really know, maybe they did. It’s just very hard especially if he’s done all of the preparation with all of the scripts. We just wish him well, that’s the most important thing.”
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Camilla Tominey spoke to Nicholas Owen on GB News
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Nicholas Owen joined Camilla Tominey on GB News
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Nicholas’ comments come Omaar thanked everyone for their “good wishes” after he became unwell while hosting News at Ten.
In a statement, ITV said he had received medical treatment and was now recovering at home with his family.
Omaar, 56, said he had been “determined to finish presenting the programme”.
Concern for Omaar spread on social media after he appeared to struggle to read the bulletins while presenting ITV’s News at Ten programme on Friday.
“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,” said Omaar in a statement, adding he was grateful for the support given.
ITV said: “We are wishing Rageh a speedy recovery and look forward to him being back on screen when he feels ready.”
No further details of what happened to Omaar during the broadcast have been released.
However, ITV pulled the programme from its scheduled re-runs on ITV+1, with a message instead telling viewers that ITV was “temporarily unable to bring you our +1 service”.
James Parker is a UK-based entertainment aficionado who delves into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. From Hollywood to the West End, he offers readers an insider’s perspective on the world of movies, music, and pop culture.
