ITV's live football coverage was thrown into disarray on Tuesday evening when lead presenter Laura Woods collapsed while on air. The incident occurred during the pre-match build-up to the England women's national team's clash with Ghana.
On-Air Collapse During Pre-Match Build-Up
The alarming moment happened on Tuesday 02 December 2025 as Woods, 38, was presenting. Fellow studio pundits Ian Wright and Anita Asante were quick to react, catching her as she fell. In a swift move, the broadcast was cut straight to a commercial break as the situation unfolded behind the scenes.
Katie Shanahan Steps In At Late Notice
When the programme returned from the unexpected break, presenter Katie Shanahan had taken over the lead role. She addressed viewers directly to explain the sudden change. "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," Shanahan confirmed.
Broadcast Continues With Replacement Presenter
The coverage of the England Lionesses' match against Ghana proceeded with Shanahan at the helm. ITV has not yet released further details on the nature of Woods's illness or her current condition. The broadcaster's priority appears to have been ensuring the presenter received immediate care while maintaining the scheduled sports coverage for viewers.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of live television. The professionalism of the production team and the quick actions of Wright and Asante ensured the situation was handled as smoothly as possible under the circumstances.
