BBC weather presenter who fainted mid-broadcast says collapse was due to 'horrible virus'

Mackley left viewers worried after falling ill on Friday

Rachel Mackley presenting the weather on BBC South East (YouTube )

A BBC weather reporter who fainted mid-broadcast has said her collapse was due to a “horrible virus”.

Rachel Mackley, who has presented the weather on the BBC's South East Today since 2011, interrupted her forecast on Friday and told viewers: “I’m so sorry, I’m going to faint”. She then appeared to stumble backwards before the camera cut to presenters Polly Evans and Robert Smith, who told staff: “Quick, quick chaps, if we could sort Rachel out there.”

Mackley was treated at Pembury hospital and is expected to return to screens soon. On Tuesday, she told her followers she was “just about recovered” and ready to resume her presenting role.

Viewers praised Mackley’s professionalism during the incident and a number wrote into the BBC to express their concern.

Her Twitter followers sent Mackley best wishes after her update, with Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Hospitals wishing her a speedy recovery. “Hope you are feeling much better now! Good to hear you were well looked after by our A&E team. Best wishes.”