Laura Woods has thanked colleagues and paramedics after collapsing live on air during ITV’s build-up to England’s friendly against Ghana on Tuesday night.
The 38-year-old presenter was pitchside at St Mary’s Stadium in Southampton, joined by Ian Wright and Anita Asante, when she suddenly fell forward mid-conversation. Wright reacted instantly to catch her, with Asante also moving in to help as cameras quickly cut to a wide shot of the pitch before an ad break.
When coverage resumed, Scottish swimmer Katie Shanahan had stepped in to take over the hosting duties. Shanahan told viewers they didn’t have “the wonderful Laura Woods” as she had “just been taken ill,” but reassured the audience that “she’s in very good hands.”
Viewers were quick to notice Woods’ absence and took to social media to share their concern, with messages of support pouring in across X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. Her fiancé, Adam Collard, moved to calm fears, posting: “Laura is all ok and with the right people. Thank you for all of your kind messages.”
Woods later addressed the incident herself with a message on Instagram, saying: “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.
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.”
Her candid note was met with relief from fans and fellow broadcasters, many praising her professionalism and warmth even while recovering from the ordeal. ITV also reposted her statement on social media, adding: “Wishing you a speedy recovery,” while the Lionesses’ official account shared similar well wishes.
Many fans also applauded the composure of the ITV team, who continued the broadcast seamlessly after Woods’ sudden collapse — especially for Wright, who was able to catch Woods as she started to stumble.
“Fair play to Ian Wright for being alert here,” one person wrote.
Woods has become one of British football’s most recognisable presenters, regularly fronting coverage for ITV and TNT Sports. She made her return to screens in April after a short break following the birth of her son, and has continued to be a popular figure among both fans and players for her sharp insight and natural on-camera chemistry.
As for the football itself, England’s Lionesses capped off 2025 with a 2-0 win over Ghana, marking their fourth straight friendly victory since their Euro 2025 triumph last summer. Midfielder Lucia Kendall opened the scoring just six minutes in with her first goal for the senior side, before Alessia Russo sealed the result in stoppage time from the penalty spot after Chloe Kelly had been forced off injured in the first half.
Manager Sarina Wiegman used the friendly to hand valuable minutes to several emerging players. Taylor Hinds, Maya Le Tissier, and Jess Park all featured, while Anouk Denton made her senior debut from the bench late on.
While Woods described herself as “really embarrassed,” her calm update and quick return to communication reassured fans that she’ll be back behind the mic soon.
For now, though, football’s favourite presenter is taking the advice of the St Mary’s paramedics — a bit of rest, a lot of hydration, and hopefully, no more “weird” live TV moments for a while.
We wish Woods all the best at this time.
Featured image credit: X/ITV (screenshot)
