Moira Stuart falls ill at Angela Rippon’s birthday celebrations as ambulance called for former BBC star

Moira Stuart falls ill at Angela Rippon’s birthday celebrations as ambulance called for former BBC star

Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig defends Angela Rippon's score

Olivia Gantzer

By Olivia Gantzer


Published: 13/02/2024

- 16:17

The former newsreader had a “funny turn” during the party

Presenter Moria Stuart became ill and ended up having an ambulance called for her during a celebratory event for Angela Rippon.

According to The Sun, the 74-year-old was attending a late birthday party on Monday night for Strictly star Rippon, who turned 79 in October while she was taking part in the competition.


It’s been reported Stuart “took a funny turn” due to the heat in the room and help was called for as people rushed to her aid.

A source explained: “She had been in great spirits on the night and spent time with Angela and Lulu, who was also a guest, at the Hilton.”

Speaking to the publication, they continued: “It all happened very quickly and out of nowhere, Moira, who was standing at the bar, had fallen to the floor.

“The room was cleared to give everyone some space but after a while, Moira said she was fine and that it was just a funny turn.”

Moira Stuart

Moira Stuart left the BBC back in 2007

Getty

It’s understood the former newsreader is now completely fine and that stars such as Louise Minchin and Michael Buerk helped her to get some fresh air.

The insider explained everyone was pleased the broadcaster seemed to be alright not long after but that it was “scary at the time.”

Stuart was pictured at the event and was spotted leaving the Hilton Hotel in Park Lane at around 9pm along with Rippon, according to reports.

The award-winning journalist joined BBC News in the late 1970s as a radio host before becoming a television newsreader in 1981.

Angela Rippon

Stuart had a funny turn during Rippon's birthday celebrations

BBC

Back in 2001, she was appointed as an OBE for services to broadcasting and made a CBE 21 years later for services to media.

She retired from the BBC in 2007 after enjoying a lengthy career with the broadcaster.

Stuart was at the centre of an ageism row within the BBC after being dropped from her Sunday morning slot 17 years ago at the age of 55.

The corporation was in a years-long battle with the courts after several other previous employees also accused the BBC of ageism such as Miriam O'Reilly and Anna Ford.

Moira Stuart

An ambulance was called for Stuart on Monday night

Getty

Former Countryfile presenter O’Reilly ended up winning her employment tribunal against the broadcaster in 2011.

Speaking at the time, she told The Guardian: “I felt I was treated badly because of my age and taking on the BBC was the right thing to do, however hurtful and stressful it has been.”

In 2009, Stuart went on to narrate a Channel 4 documentary about ageism.

You may like