Ian Wright has spoken for the first time about the moment Laura Woods collapsed live on air, describing the incident as “worrying at the time” but expressing relief that the presenter has since confirmed she is recovering well.
Woods fell ill during ITV’s coverage of England Women’s match against Ghana at St Mary’s Stadium on Tuesday, slumping forward before Wright and fellow pundit Anita Asante caught her and cameras cut abruptly to an advertising break.
The 38-year-old later reassured viewers via Instagram, explaining that paramedics believed she had been struck down by a virus.
“Gosh that was a bit weird. Sorry to worry everyone, I’m OK, the wonderful paramedics at Saints have said it’s probably a virus, just need a bit of rest and rehydration,” she wrote.
“I’m really embarrassed that happened on TV, but a big thank you to my colleagues at ITV who have really looked after me tonight.
"And to Wrighty and Neets for catching me, and sorry again x.”
Wright, appearing on The Overlap alongside Gary Neville, Roy Keane, Jamie Carragher and Jill Scott, confirmed he had received a message from Woods following the incident.
Laura Woods was covering the Lionesses’ friendly against Ghana when she collapsed
| GETTY“She’s fine. I got a message from her this morning,” he said.
“It was worrying at the time but she’s fine. People have been really nice about it. I’m glad she’s okay.”
Scott added: “She said that she thinks she’s got a virus but it must have been horrible for that to happen, on live TV as well.”
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Ian Wright and Laura Woods have worked together for a number of years
|PA
With Woods’ condition improving, Wright’s fellow pundits offered some light relief. Keane joked: “I’m guessing she’s not the first woman to fall into your arms Ian, that’s just your knack.
"She’s okay and that’s all that matters, that’s the most important thing, obviously. You’ll get a knighthood or an award for that, Wrighty.”
When ITV resumed its broadcast after the incident, Woods had been replaced by presenter Katie Shanahan.
She told viewers: “As you have probably noticed we don’t have the wonderful Laura Woods because she’s just been taken ill but she’s in very good hands so I’m stepping in at late notice.
"She’s in really good hands and we’re wishing her a speedy recovery.
"We want to reassure you she is doing okay. We all send her our love.”
Laura Woods has reassured fans that she's fine following her collapse on live TV
| PAWoods, one of the country’s most recognisable sports broadcasters, has become a fixture across major tournaments including the Women’s World Cup and the Lionesses’ successful Euro 2025 campaign.
She previously hosted on talkSPORT and currently fronts Champions League coverage for TNT Sports.
Her partner, former Love Island contestant Adam Collard, was the first to update the public following her collapse.
“Laura is all ok and with the right people,” he said.
“Thank you for all of your kind messages.”
Woods, who gave birth to their son Leo in January, returned to television in April and has maintained a demanding schedule since.