ITV News presenter Mary Nightingale triggered concern among viewers who noticed she sounded "breathless" and "wobbly" while delivering a report on allegations made against comedian David Walliams.
The broadcaster, who has fronted the evening bulletin since 2001, returned to screens on Tuesday (November 10) to cover the outcome of a three-year probe conducted by ITV and The Guardian into Walliams.
Viewers express concern on social media
During the programme, one viewer posted on X/Twitter, asking: "Is the newsreader Mary Nightingale ok? Her voice sounds very wobbly, and she sounds breathless tonight."
Other audiences quickly responded in the comments, with one saying: "Yep, was definitely struggling; I was surprised that she wasn't subbed." A third observed: "Been like that for a while now; hopefully nothing too serious."
Another viewer suggested: "Most likely upset at the news today! Empathy for the women in her report," while a fifth added: "That's what I said! Breathless and wobbly." One more remarked: "She's been like it for a while now. I hope she's ok."
Report on Walliams allegations
As the broadcast continued, Mary could be heard taking increasingly long and deep breaths between sentences as she discussed the possible consequences Walliams is facing following the investigation.
Addressing the government's reaction, she said: "Downing Street called the allegations deeply troubling. This afternoon he was dropped by his long-term literary agent, the Labour Party suspended him as a member, and the BBC said it is in the process of removing programmes starring him, including Little Britain."
Past comments on her voice
While Mary has never publicly confirmed any serious illnesses or medical conditions affecting her voice, she has spoken candidly about how covering emotionally charged news "makes my voice go."
In an interview with Radio Times in 2022, Mary admitted that during the coronavirus pandemic her voice "failed" her while announcing the devastating death toll figures. She said: "I do feel like crying sometimes, but I don't think it's helpful. The effort to not cry often makes my voice go."
She added: "During the pandemic, while reading out death figures every day and some of the very sad, difficult stories, my voice slightly failed me sometimes, almost like it didn't want to say the words."
