Former BBC newsreader Moira Stuart is said to be feeling better now after collapsing at friend Angela Rippon’s birthday party.
The veteran broadcaster, who was the first African-Caribbean woman to read the news on British television, reportedly needed to be helped by her colleagues including Louise Minchin and Michael Buerk after she “took a funny turn” while standing at the bar among other party guests.A source told The Sun that the room was cleared for Stuart after hotel staff called an ambulance to check over the newsreader, who insisted she was fine.
An onlooker told the publication: “Moira took a funny turn when Angela’s party was in full swing. She had been in great spirits on the night and spent time with Angela and Lulu, who was also a guest, at the Hilton.”
“It all happened very quickly and out of nowhere, Moira, who was standing at the bar, had fallen to the floor.”
The soirée, which took place at Hilton Hotel on Park Lane, London, was to belatedly celebrate Rippon’s 79th birthday, which she had postponed until she had finished her stint on the Strictly Come Dancing live tour.Rippon’s professional dance partner Kai Widdrington was in attendance at the bash, along with some of her former castmates from the Strictly 2023 series and singer Lulu.
The Standard contacted a representative for Stuart for comment who advised “she is fine”.
Adding: “She did feel unwell in the heat and crush of the party. But was tended to by Louise Minchin and Samira Ahmed and went home in a taxi later.”
Stuart became a Radio 4 newsreader and programme presenter after beginning her BBC career as a radio production assistant in the 1970s.
She enjoyed a history-making career in radio and television at the BBC, spanning nearly five decades, after returning to read the news bulletins on Chris Evans’ BBC Radio 2 breakfast in 2010.
Born in Hampstead, London, her TV presenting roles have included The Andrew Marr Show, BBC Breakfast and News After Noon.
The broadcaster joined Classic FM in 2019 to become the station’s morning newsreader, and presents Moira Stuart Meets…, featuring interviews with famous faces in arts, politics, sport and entertainment.
Stuart has also presented documentaries including In Search Of Wilberforce for BBC Television and BBC World Service documentary The Unknown Soldier.
She danced salsa during Strictly’s 2021 Christmas special and was partnered with professional Aljaž Škorjanec.
In 2022, Stuart was awarded a CBE for her services to media.
