Rageh Omaar: ITV News sparks Ofcom row as viewers lodge complaints after newsreader falls ill live on-air

After falling unwell live on air, Omaar released a statement the following day to thank his "wonderful colleagues" and "viewers who expressed concern" as he admitted he was "determined" to finish the broadcast.

ITV similarly released a statement on Saturday in which it confirmed Omaar had received "medical treatment" after the show and is now "recovering at home with his family".

Details of Omaar's illness haven't been released but concerned viewers began to question why and how he was allowed to continue presenting after exhibiting worrying signs.

As a result, 73 complaints were lodged to Ofcom regarding Friday's broadcast, according to the organisation's weekly audience report.

An Ofcom spokesperson told GB News about the nature of the complaints, saying: "Complaints raised concerns about Rageh Omaar's health during this broadcast."

The way in which Omaar was allowed to remain on-air during Friday's News at 10 sparked debate across social media, with insiders reportedly still confused by the decision.

An insider reportedly told The Times earlier this week: "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 watched that something was seriously wrong."

WATCH HERE: Nicholas Owen shares thoughts on Rageh Omaar falling unwell on-air

Meanwhile, a number of Omaar's colleagues and fellow journalists have sent their well wishes to the broadcaster, although his fellow ITV News colleague Charlene White hit headlines when she slammed the reaction of some viewers to the incident.

On Instagram the day after Omaar's show, White 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."

Elsewhere, ITV colleague and Good Morning Britain host Richard Madeley told viewers on Monday morning that Omaar "should be back on our screens soon".

The controversy surrounding the decision to let Omaar continue was also put to former ITN veteran Nicholas Owen on Sunday's The Camilla Tominey Show on GB News.

He told the People's Channel viewers: "Of course I can identify (with what happened). I know Rageh very well and he is a very distinguished correspondent and great presenter.

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"Of course, you want to finish the job. If you sit in that chair, aware that millions of people and more are watching you and listening to you, of course, he wanted to plough on.

"It's a very difficult situation for him. I can remember going in the studio once or twice, thinking, 'Well I don't feel particularly 100 percent today', but usually 'Dr Studio' - if that's the right term - 'Dr Studio' takes over and you get through it.

"Apparently he wasn't terribly well the previous night either. So I suppose that my dear colleagues - and I worked at ITV for many years very, very happily - should they have stepped in and just insisted he step back?

"Let's just wish him well, that's the important thing," Owen signed off.