A bit bruised but glad to be back, says TV debate host Kate McCann

Kate McCann fainted on air while hosting the latest Tory leadership debate

The TV presenter who fainted on air during the latest Tory leadership debate has said she is "a little embarrassed, a little bit bruised but glad to be back and totally fine".

Journalist Kate McCann was back on air on Wednesday evening after hosting the Sun and TalkTV debate between Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss on Tuesday.

It was abruptly halted about halfway through after a loud crash was heard.

Viewers saw a shocked Ms Truss walking towards McCann before cameras cut away.

Before it was stopped, the TV debate had been covering tax, the state of the NHS and rising living costs.

Presenting the News Desk programme on TalkTV on Wednesday, McCann said: "Thank goodness I'm now sitting down."

McCann joked that people had wondered "whether anyone would be the victim of a knockout blow" but that what "no-one predicted was it might well be the presenter".

The journalist thought both leadership candidates "were shocked by it", adding that it was good that both of them had agreed to a rematch.

Earlier McCann tweeted: "Well that wasn't how last night was supposed to end!" She went on to then thank everyone for "the lovely messages".

Mr Sunak and Ms Truss both tweeted after the programme ended to say they were relieved that McCann was fine.

• Truss and Sunak debate scrapped after host faints

• Sunak supporters deny U-turn in row over VAT cut

• What are the policies of final two hoping to be PM?

The political journalist apologised to the two Tory leadership candidates on Twitter and confirmed she would be returning to the screen on Wednesday evening to unpick the debate.

She presented TalkTV's News Desk programme, filling in for Tom Newton Dunn.

He tweeted on Tuesday evening that McCann had proved she is "one of the very best in the business" during the first half hour of the political debate.

After the programme went off air, TalkTV said the presenter was "fine" but that the channel was following medical advice not to continue.

"We apologise to our viewers and listeners," said TalkTV.

The presenter had been due to co-host the debate alongside the Sun's political editor Harry Cole, but he tested positive for Covid-19 and had to pull out.