Concern swept through viewers of BBC News at Six on January 6, 2024, as presenter Clive Myrie appeared with his left eye visibly drooping. The journalist, known for his polished delivery and veteran reporting experience, was seen on screen wearing a black suit, white shirt, and navy blue tie, but to many eagle-eyed fans, something seemed awry. Over the duration of the half-hour broadcast, it became increasingly clear his left eye was not fully open, prompting viewers to voice their concerns on social media.
Twitter erupted with inquiries about Myrie’s health, with one user commenting, "I hope Clive Myrie's OK. A lot of us are noticing his droopy eye." Others echoed similar sentiments, asking, "What’s wrong with Clive Myrie’s eye tonight?" Such worries were not trivial; they reflected genuine concern for the well-being of the respected news anchor.
Reacting to the swell of concern, Myrie himself took to social media to address the situation. "Happy N.Year everyone and thank you all for your concern over my left eye. It’s nothing serious, just an infection. I did think about wearing an eye patch, but the boss said no! A bit like Long John Silver. He wasn’t having any of it! Cheers," he tweeted, successfully easing worries among his followers.
A spokesperson for the BBC corroborated Myrie’s assessment of his condition, assuring The Sun, "Clive is fine and just has an eye infection." While medical incidents on-air are not commonplace, they undoubtedly prompt discussions around the presenters’ health and the pressures they face.
Certainly, Clive Myrie’s health is not the only topic drawing attention lately. The veteran journalist has also been under scrutiny for not adequately declaring his outside earnings, which is required of BBC staff. Following directives from BBC director-general Tim Davie intended to encourage greater transparency, presenters like Myrie are expected to disclose all external engagements on which they earn money.
Myrie was reported to have failed to declare £145,000 from corporate events over the past year. After this report, he acknowledged on social media, stating, "An apology – I’ve had several administrative issues, and I didn’t fill out the correct paperwork for some of my external public events, so they haven’t been published until now. I’ve told the BBC I won’t be taking part in any more paid external events for the foreseeable future, beyond a handful of pre-existing commitments, so this doesn’t happen again.”
The dual incidents—the drooping eye and the oversight with external earnings—have served to highlight both the personal and professional challenges faced by high-profile figures like Myrie. They remind audiences of the pressures of the job and the scrutiny under which public figures operate.
Clive Myrie, who has been with the BBC since 1987 and is also known for presenting the quiz show Mastermind, has experienced varied public interest over his lengthy career. From reporting on significant political events to now experiencing social media responses over health and finance, his ability to maintain transparency with his audience is under the microscope.
With his health concern cleared up, Myrie can hopefully return focus to the news. His engagement with fans shows the human side of broadcasting, where interactions can quickly cross from everyday reporting to personal health updates. Nonetheless, as viewers continue to hold him, and others like him, accountable for their transparency, the relationship between public figures and their audience will likely evolve.
The recent events highlight how social media can rapidly amplify concerns and engage the public, blurring the lines between personal health issues and public accountability. It's clear Clive Myrie values interaction with his audience, and as he navigates these minor health setbacks and professional obligations, many will be hoping for his swift recovery and continued transparency moving forward.