ITV newsreader responds after fans ask if he's 'ok' following star's 'drooping face'
ITV News At Ten presenter Paul Brand has taken to social media to address concern after he presented the news with one of his eyes looking considerably lower than the other
ITV newsreader Paul Brand has reassured his followers that he's fine after presenting last night's News at 10. The Welsh journalist, who has been with ITV News since 2016 and began hosting the current affairs programme Tonight in 2022, is a familiar face on the channel.
But on Monday evening, viewers expressed concern over Paul's appearance, when they all began noting that one of his eyes seemed swollen and noticeably lower than the other, reports the Mirror.
Addressing the worries about him having possibly suffered an "allergic reaction" Paul took to Instagram to clarify the situation.
He explained that his toddler's "grubby fingers" were the culprit, posting: "For those asking, the dodgy eye is just a product of a toddler's grubby fingers. Hopefully less red tomorrow."
Paul isn't alone in causing viewer alarm due to on-screen appearances. Earlier in the year, BBC presenter Clive Myrie had fans concerned when his eye also seemed to droop.
During a live News At Six broadcast, Clive's left eye seemed to close, leading many viewers to suggest that the show's producers should send him to see a doctor.
One person commented online: "I hope Clive Myrie's OK. A lot of us are noticing his droopy eye."
Another queried: "Is Clive Myrie OK? His eye's drooping."
And a third remarked: "What's the matter with Clive Myrie's left eye?".
Clive swiftly alleviated concerns on X after fans noticed an issue with his eye, writing: "Happy N.Year everyone and thank you all for your concern over my left eye.
"It's nothing serious, just an infection. I did think about wearing an eye patch, but the boss said no! A bit like Long John Silver. He wasn't having any of it! Cheers."
The BBC also reassured viewers, stating: "Clive is fine and just has an eye infection."
Both these incidents comes after ITV journalist Rageh Omaar experienced a health scare during a live News At 10 broadcast.
The presenter, 57, became disoriented and slurred his words towards the end of the programme, prompting viewers to express concern.
Rageh, ITV News International Affairs Editor, appeared unwell while attempting to tidy his desk and struggled to put away his pen as the end credits began.
Subsequently, it was confirmed that the journalist had suffered an undisclosed illness but was in a stable stae, recovering at home after receiving medical treatment.
According to a spokesperson at the time, the star was hospitalised for a period of care and then returned home to be looked after by his family.
Expressing his gratitude, Rageh later 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."