Veteran broadcaster Rageh Omaar has made a welcome return to international reporting, embarking on his first overseas assignment for ITV News since a concerning on-air incident a year ago.
Omaar, 57, featured in a pre-recorded package on ITV’s News At Ten on Friday evening, reporting from West Africa. The report, which aired in the main bulletin, focused on the political and economic situation in the region and included a high-profile interview with Ivorian businessman Tidjane Thiam, the leader of the PDCI-RDA, the main opposition party in Côte d’Ivoire.
The appearance marks an important milestone in Omaar’s gradual return to frontline journalism after he was taken ill live on-air in April 2024 while presenting a bulletin for News at Ten. Viewers at the time expressed concern as he visibly struggled to read the news, slurring his speech. ITV later confirmed he had received medical treatment in hospital, and was recovering.
Since then, Omaar has been easing back into his role, contributing to digital platforms such as ITVX, with short news features and analytical segments. However, this foreign dispatch – his first since the incident – signals his steady return to the role that defined much of his career.
A cautious but determined return
Omaar, who holds the title of International Affairs Editor at ITV News, is widely respected for his insightful coverage of global events. Following his illness, he received an outpouring of support from colleagues and viewers alike. At the time, he released a statement expressing gratitude, saying he was “determined to finish presenting the programme” and thanked his team for their swift support and professionalism during the incident.
ITV News later said that he had been “recovering well” and there was no indication of any long-term concerns. His return to international reporting is being interpreted by many in the industry as a positive sign of his full recovery.
Friday’s segment on West Africa not only reaffirmed his commitment to journalism but also gave viewers a glimpse into some of the key political challenges facing the Ivory Coast. In his interview, Tidjane Thiam, a prominent political figure and former international banker, claimed that the Ivorian government was attempting to prevent his path to the presidency, highlighting tensions in the run-up to future elections.
The video of the interview has also been uploaded to ITV News’ YouTube channel, gaining widespread attention and further cementing Omaar’s continued relevance and impact in global reporting.
A career marked by major moments
Rageh Omaar first rose to international prominence during his time at the BBC, where he served as a senior foreign correspondent. He gained widespread recognition for his reporting from Baghdad during the Iraq War in 2003, earning the moniker “Scud Stud” and later winning the Ethnic Multicultural Media Academy’s Best TV News Journalist award.
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In recent years, he has taken on a dual role at ITV News – not only leading international coverage but also presenting On Assignment, the broadcaster’s monthly current affairs programme. His work has taken him across continents, covering everything from war zones and political unrest to global health crises and environmental challenges.
ITV news team changes
Omaar’s return coincides with other notable shifts in the UK broadcast news landscape. Earlier this month, it was announced that Anushka Asthana, ITV News’ Deputy Political Editor, would be leaving the channel to take up the role of US Editor at Channel 4 News, indicating a period of transition and renewal for both networks.
For now, however, the focus remains on Omaar’s return. His calm presence, sharp interviewing style, and global perspective continue to be valued in an ever-changing news environment. Friday’s dispatch serves not only as a professional milestone but also as a reassuring signal to audiences who admire his journalistic integrity and resilience.
