TV veteran Marr praises Rageh's on-screen bravery

VETERAN broadcaster Andrew Marr has praised ITV newsreader Rageh Omaar for his bravery in carrying on after falling ill live on air.

- Marc Baker and Tony Whitfield

Mr Omaar, 56, began to struggle with his words while at the helm of News at Ten nine days ago.

Seventy-three viewers have since complained to broadcast regulator Ofcom that he should have been taken off air.

ITV News bosses revealed that a stand-in presenter was rushed to the studio but Mr Omaar had insisted he continued and was taken straight to hospital after the broadcast.

He was discharged a day later and has been recovering at home.

Mr Marr, who presents a current affairs show on LBC radio station, says reading the news live is a stressful experience, particularly if you're not feeling well.

He said: "There is nothing more scary than that thing happening when you are live on air.