- Sport
- Football
The pundit was on hand to help catch Woods after she stumbled on air during coverage of the Lionesses against Ghana after falling ill
Jack RathbornThursday 04 December 2025 09:24 GMTComments
CloseLaura Woods replaced by stand-in after collapsing on live ITV football broadcast
Get the Adam Clery Football Column. A newsletter that unpacks the absurdities and oddities of the beautiful game
The ACFC newsletter: unpacking football’s absurdities
Unpack football’s oddities with the ACFC newsletter
Email*SIGN UPI would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice
Ian Wright has recalled the “worrying” moment when Laura Woods stumbled during the broadcast of England v Ghana.
The sports presenter lost her footing live on air during ITV’s coverage of the Lionesses at St Mary’s, with pundits Wright and Anita Asante catching her before she fell.
England went on to win the friendly 2-0 with Woods later confirming she was ill.
The broadcast cut to a shot of the teams warming up on the pitch before an advert break.
And Wright has now discussed the concerning incident on The Overlap with Gary Neville and Roy Keane, Jamie Carragher and Jill Scott.
Recommended
Laura Woods posts update on condition after collapsing live on air ahead of Lionesses clash
Ian Wright calls for Lionesses star to be ‘given a break’ despite scoring in big win
Ian Wright explains why he is ‘worried’ for Jude Bellingham
Wright said: “She’s fine. I got a message from her this morning.
“It was worrying at the time but she’s fine. People have been really nice about it. I’m glad she’s okay.”
Scott added: “She said that she thinks she’s got a virus but it must have been horrible for that to happen, on live TV as well.”
The group then took a lighter approach to the discussion around Woods, leaning on their personal relationships from working alongside her.
“I’m guessing she’s not the first woman to fall into your arms Ian,” Keane joked. “That’s just your knack.
“She’s okay and that’s all that matters, that’s the most important thing, obviously. You’ll get a knighthood or an award for that, Wrighty.”
Woods said she was “really embarrassed” while thanking Wright, Asante and her colleagues at ITV for “really looking after me”.
open image in galleryLaura Woods is caught by Ian Wright after falling while on air (ITV)She said in a statement on social media: “Gosh that was a bit weird.
“Sorry to worry everyone, I’m ok, the wonderful paramedics at Saints have said its probably a virus, just need a bit of rest and hydration.
“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.”
open image in galleryLaura Woods was replaced by Katie Shanahan on ITV’s coverage (ITV4)Katie Shanahan was installed as an emergency replacement by ITV, stepping in for Woods after she received medical treatment.
She said: “As you have probably noticed we don’t have the wonderful Laura Woods because she’s just been taken ill but she’s in very good hands so I’m stepping in at late notice.”
More about
Laura WoodsIan WrightLionessesITVEngland womenJoin our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments
