On Monday, February 12, newsreader Moira Stuart attended her friend, Angela Rippon’s birthday party at the Hilton Hotel on Park Lane, London. Angela Rippon was celebrating her 79th birthday. Despite her birthday being on October, 12, Angela postponed her celebrations in order to finish her time on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, where she was the oldest contestant.
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However, the party did not go according to plan as Moira Stuart reportedly collapsed during the celebrations and an ambulance was called for the 74-year-old newsreader. Here's everything we know about what happened at Angela Rippon's birthday party.
Moira Stuart experienced a ‘scary’ health episode
As reported by The Sun, Moira Stuart was enjoying Angela Rippon’s birthday when she collapsed whilst standing at the bar. A source told the media outlet that the whole scene happened ‘quickly’ and Moira had ‘fallen to the floor’.
It all happened very quickly and out of nowhere, Moira, who was standing at the bar, had fallen to the floor.
As Moira collapsed, her BBC colleagues,Louise Minchin and Michael Buerk rushed to look after her and for precautionary measures, the Hilton Hotel staff called an ambulance. The source then explained that the room was cleared to give Moira some space and that eventually, Moira said that she was ‘fine’ and simply had a ‘funny turn'.
The source told The Sun:
Moira took a funny turn when Angela’s party was in full swing.
The room was cleared to give everyone some space but after a while Moira said she was fine and that it was just a funny turn. Everyone was just pleased she was alright but it was scary at the time.
Who is Moira Stuart?
Moira Stuart was born on September 2, 1949, in London. As per The Independent, Moira is acknowledged as the UK’s first female African-Caribbean TV newsreader. Stuart joined the BBC in the late 70s as a production assistant.
She then went on to become a newsreader for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Radio 2. Eventually, Moira presented almost all BBC bulletins except for the Ten O’Clock News. Moira took a small break and left the BBC in October 2007, but returned 3 years later for The Chris Evans Breakfast Show.
In 2019, Moira Stuart joined the radio station Classic FM and read the news during the breakfast slots on weekdays and also hosted a Saturday afternoon show, Moira Stuart’s Hall of Fame Concert.
In 2021, Moira took part in BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special and was paired with Aljaž Škorjanec. The newsreader has also presented several BBC documentaries, including InSearch Of Wilberforce and The Unknown Soldier.
Finally, in November 2022, Moira Stuart was made a CBE - Commander of the Order of the British Empire - for her services to media. The award was given to her by Princess Anne, as reported by Daily Mail.
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Sources used:
The Sun: ‘FUNNY TURN TV legend Moira Stewart, 79, collapses at celeb party as ambulance rushes to her aid’
Daily Mail: ‘Moira Stuart, 74, collapses as former colleagues rush to the ex newsreader's aid and call an ambulance during Angela Rippon's birthday party’
The Independent: ‘Moira Stuart, 74, collapses at Angela Rippon’s celebrity party as ambulance rushes to her aid’
