Liz Truss looked visibly startled.
The British Tory leadership debate between Prime Ministerial hopefuls Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak had to be halted mid-broadcast after a loud crashing noise was heard on set.
As you can see in the clip below taken from TalkTV’s broadcast footage, Truss looked visibly distressed as the crash can be heard offscreen.
The camera then began to move and Truss walked out of frame.
Erm. I’m not sure what has just happened on Talk Tv, but I’m assuming somebody has collapsed as Liz Truss was mid sentence. ? #LeadershipDebate #TalkTV #Ready4Rishi #NeverRishi #Liz4Leader #LizForLeader pic.twitter.com/CMt6dv8jOS
— Spartan Roy (@TheDroyver) July 26, 2022
While it was not immediately known what the issue was that caused the crash and for the debate to be put on hold, TalkTV later confirmed that presenter Kate McCann fainted on set.
“Kate McCann fainted on air tonight and although she is fine, the medical advice was that we shouldn’t continue with the debate,” the channel wrote on Twitter.
“We apologise to our viewers and listeners.”
Kate McCann fainted on air tonight and although she is fine, the medical advice was that we shouldn't continue with the debate. We apologise to our viewers and listeners.
— TalkTV (@TalkTV) July 26, 2022
The sudden collapse occurred during Sunak and Truss’ second head-to-head debate which was entitled “The Fight for No 10”.
Industry figures and political peers took to social media to send their best wishes to McCann, stating that she was doing a “brilliant job” hosting the debate prior to the medical emergency.
Hope @KateEMcCann is ok. She was doing a brilliant job. Get well soon!
— Amanda Milling (@amandamilling) July 26, 2022
Let’s be real though, Kate McCann was doing an amazing job tonight – this was probably the best debate we have had so far regarding asking actually important questions – not just trying to catch them out! Glad all are ok.
Well done to the @TalkTV team. Did a great job.
— Sophie Corcoran ?? (@sophielouisecc) July 26, 2022
Thoughts with the great Kate McCann, who was bossing the debate as expected. I am hearing that she is doing ok.
— Stig Abell (@StigAbell) July 26, 2022