British sports presenter Laura Woods stunned viewers after collapsing on live television during coverage of the England vs. Ghana match in Southampton on Tuesday, Dec. 2.
The 38-year-old broadcaster had just begun leading ITV’s pre-match coverage when she suddenly fainted, prompting co-hosts Ian Wright and Anita Asante to catch her as cameras quickly cut away to match footage. The program then went into an unscheduled five-minute commercial break, The Times reported.
When the broadcast returned, presenter Katie Shanahan stepped in, informing viewers that Woods had become unwell.
“As you’ve probably noticed, we don’t have the wonderful Laura Woods because she’s just been taken ill, but she’s in very good hands,” Shanahan said on air. “So I’m stepping in at late notice.”
A few hours later, Woods addressed the incident on Instagram Stories, reassuring fans that she was safe and recovering.
“Gosh, that was a bit weird,” she wrote. “Sorry to worry everyone, I’m ok. The wonderful paramedics at St. Mary’s have said it’s probably a virus — just need a bit of rest and hydration.”
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She added that she felt “really embarrassed” the collapse happened on live TV, and thanked her colleagues for their support. “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.”
Her fiancé, former Love Island U.K. star Adam Collard, also shared an update on X, writing, “Laura is all ok and with the right people. Thank you for all of your kind messages 🤍.”
Woods and Collard, who became engaged in 2024, share an 11-month-old son, Leo. The presenter took maternity leave earlier this year before returning to screen duties in April.
One of the most recognizable faces in British sports media, Woods has fronted coverage of major tournaments including the 2023 Women’s World Cup and UEFA Euro 2024. She previously hosted talkSPORT’s breakfast show from 2020 to 2023 and spent several years presenting for Sky Sports.
