Today’s live debate between Conservative Party leadership candidates in the United Kingdom was dramatically interrupted this afternoon after the vaccinated host fainted live on air.
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss and former Chancellor Rishi Sunak were debating live as part of a debate jointly hosted by Talk TV and the Sun newspaper on Tuesday, when the debate was interrupted by crashing sounds.
Truss, the current favoured candidate to take over from Boris Johnson as the British Prime Minister, was speaking on the topic of the current invasion of Ukraine by Russia, when Kate McCann, the sole host, fainted on the set. Truss, whose monologue was interrupted, exclaimed “oh my God” in shock, and walked towards McCann to help.
Tory leadership debate is cut short as a loud crash was heard in the background, Liz Truss looks horrified as she moves to help. pic.twitter.com/nFrAJNYAqt
— Kurt Zindulka (@KurtZindulka) July 26, 2022
This is not good. Really hope no one is injured. @talktv pic.twitter.com/mz1FHGmyIW
— Julia Hartley-Brewer (@JuliaHB1) July 26, 2022
Shortly after the debate was interrupted, confirmation came that the crash was a result of McCann’s fainting, with a spokesperson for News UK, the group behind Talk TV, saying in a statement that there had been a “medical issue,” and that the candidates themselves were okay, expressing their desire to restart the debate if possible.
A spokesperson for News UK said: "There's been a medical issue, it's not a security issue and the candidates are okay" – "if we can get back on air we will"
— Harry Rutter (@harryjohnrutter) July 26, 2022
🚨 I have update:
Unfortunately Kate McCann seems to have fainted during TalkTV/Sun Tory leadership debate. More to follow.
— Mahyar Tousi (@MahyarTousi) July 26, 2022
Confirmed: Kate fainted. https://t.co/CcJ9PM2uxz
— Guido Fawkes (@GuidoFawkes) July 26, 2022
However, in a statement half an hour after the medical incident, Talk TV said that while McCann was now “fine,” they had received medical advice that they should not continue with the debate, apologising to the 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
At press time, it is not known what the cause of the medical incident.
A second host, The Sun newspaper’s Harry Cole, was meant to be joining the debate with McCann, but he had unfortunately tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday morning, with McCann saying she was “gutted” to not have her “partner in crime” presenting with her.
It is unclear whether McCann had undergone a COVID-19 test herself before the debate had started.
Gutted not to be hosting with my partner in crime this evening, we’ll miss you @MrHarryCole. BUT while he may not be in the room tonight we’ve thrashed out the Qs together and we’ve got a great debate in store. Tune in at 6pm on @TalkTV https://t.co/Sl96czzvNP
— Kate McCann (@KateEMcCann) July 26, 2022
Valiant News has also confirmed that Tuesday’s debate host was vaccinated against COVID-19.
In a tweet from July last year, McCann confirmed that she had taken at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and expected to be given her second jab in a few weeks.
Final one on periods – Did you know (I didn't) that Covid-19 infection affects periods in 25 per cent of women? Another top @VikiLovesFACS fact. Hope this thread helps. For what it's worth – I had the vaccine, my period changed and I will still get my second jab in a few weeks
— Kate McCann (@KateEMcCann) July 7, 2021
This is a breaking story, and may be updated.
