Football commentator Laura Woods collapsed live on air while covering the England Lionesses’ friendly against Ghana on ITV on Tuesday evening.
The 38-year-old had just introduced coverage alongside fellow commentators Ian Wright and former Lionesses defender Anita Asante when she fell and had to be caught by the two pundits.
Presenters Ian Wright, Katie Shanahan, Anita Asante look on after presenter Laura Woods (not pictured) collapsed before the England/Ghana women’s international friendly in Southampton.Credit: Getty Images
The cameras caught Woods falling down behind the pitch-side table with Wright checking on her before they cut to an advertising break.
Woods’s partner, the former Love Island contestant Adam Collard, later confirmed on X that she was “all OK and with the right people”.
ITV presenter Katie Shanahan added at half-time: “Laura Woods fell ill at the start of the programme. We want to reassure you she’s doing OK and we all send her our love.”
After opening coverage with a pre-recorded welcome, Woods introduced Wright and Asante before passing to a video montage of England’s 8-0 win over China last weekend. However, her collapse came fewer than five minutes into the broadcast, with more than 40 minutes left to present before kick-off.
Presenters Ian Wright and Katie Shanahan, look on after presenter Laura Woods (not pictured) collapsed.Credit: Getty Images
ITV announced on air afterwards that Woods had been “taken ill” and replaced by Shanahan who was on pitch-side duties at St Mary’s Stadium in Southampton.
“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 said when they returned after the ad break. “She’s in really good hands and we’re wishing her a speedy recovery.”
