Clive Myrie, the seasoned presenter of BBC News at Six, has put viewers’ minds at ease after he sparked health concerns during the broadcast on January 6, 2023. While delivering the evening news, many viewers noticed Myrie’s left eye appeared noticeably droopy, prompting several fans to take to social media expressing their worries about his well-being.
Feeling the pulse of public concern, Myrie took to the platform X (formerly Twitter) post-broadcast to clarify the situation. He quipped light-heartedly, "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.” Myrie’s humorous approach aimed not just to assuage concerns but also to connect with his audience personally.
According to Dr. Alasdair Scott, the science director at Selph, drooping of the eyelid, known as "ptosis," can arise from various causes. Myrie’s condition, Dr. Scott explained, might be related to age-related weakening and also exacerbated by his recent infection. He pointed out, "The skin and muscles around the eyes stretch and weaken causing drooping of the eyelid,” stressing how common ptosis is among older adults, particularly those over 70.
Dr. Scott’s insights revealed just how common such eye issues can be, emphasizing the fact there are over 9 million individuals over 70 years old living in the UK, meaning millions could be experiencing similar conditions. "Anything causing swelling around the eye—like trauma or infections such as conjunctivitis—can lead to ptosis," he noted. His comments helped contextualize Myrie’s health scare amid broader health issues affecting older generations.
This isn’t the first time Clive Myrie has found himself making headlines. The BBC stalwart, who has been with the corporation since 1987 and currently also hosts the high-profile quiz show Mastermind, recently apologized for failing to declare £60,000 of earnings from external events. This financial oversight came as part of broader transparency measures initiated by BBC director-general Tim Davie, requiring on-screen talent to report external earnings every three months. Myrie stated, “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.” His candid admission sparked discussions about accountability within media organizations and the responsibilities of public figures.
Despite these challenges, Myrie has consistently been able to connect with audiences through his honesty and relatability. After the significant public concern around his droopy eye, he received reassurance from the BBC, confirming to media outlets like The Sun, “Clive is fine and just has an eye infection.” This affirmation from his network not only alleviated public anxiety but also emphasized the importance of mental well-being among public figures, underscoring how viewers often feel invested in the lives of those they watch daily.
Myrie’s trademark humor and ability to engage directly with his audience through social media mitigate some potential fallout from the scrutiny. This back-and-forth exemplifies the modern relationship between viewers and presenters—not just as passive recipients of news but as part of the wider conversation surrounding health and wellbeing.
While clued-in audiences continue to monitor Myrie's condition, they are reminded of the importance of self-care and regular health check-ups, especially related to visible conditions like ptosis. Dr. Scott also provided guidance through the NHS, encouraging people to reach out to their GP if they experience sudden changes to their eyelids or symptoms such as redness, heat, pain, or tenderness.
Reflecting on how the media handles public health concerns, particularly when it involves familiar faces like Clive Myrie, it raises poignant questions about the role of presenters as public figures. They aren't just news deliverers; they are figures of relatability who sometimes become the focal point of community concern.
Going forward, both Clive Myrie and his viewers can find comfort knowing the affection they share is reciprocal, rooted in mutual concern and humor. This incident may serve as yet another reminder of the human side of broadcasting, encapsulating the blend of news, personality, and public interest.