Newsreader Peter Hitchener, 75, gives health update after he was taken off-air mid-bulletin

Veteran newsreader Peter Hitchener, 75, gives health update after he was taken off-air while stumbling over his words during live bulletin

Veteran news anchor Peter Hitchener has given an update on his health after he was taken off air mid-bulletin during Channel Nine’s 6pm Melbourne news. 

The 75-year-old sparked concern after he stumbled over his words on March 29 due to a migraine, causing producers to quickly cut to a pre-recorded story.

But on Wednesday, Peter assured The Herald Sun that ‘everything’s good’ with his health, and confirmed he’s looking after himself more than ever since the on-air incident.

Doing better: Veteran news anchor Peter Hitchener has given an update on his health after he was taken off air mid-bulletin during Channel Nine’s 6pm Melbourne news

‘I’m very good now and making sure I drink plenty of water,’ he said, before confirming he had visited the hospital as a precaution. 

Peter, who has since returned to work, added that he had only started suffering with migraines over the past few years. 

‘It was the first time on air and I hope it never happens again,’ he said.

Shortly after the footage aired, Nine – who Peter has been reading the news for since 1998 – issued a statement to confirm that he was suffering from a migraine.

‘He is now resting and we expect to see him back on deck tomorrow night. He is grateful for everyone’s concern,’ Nine’s Twitter account said.

Anguish: The 75-year-old sparked concern after he stumbled over his words on March 29 due to a migraine, causing producers to quickly cut to a pre-recorded story

Anguish: The 75-year-old sparked concern after he stumbled over his words on March 29 due to a migraine, causing producers to quickly cut to a pre-recorded story 

Peter was replaced on the broadcast by Clint Stanway who acknowledged the anchor’s absence before moving on with the news.

Nine tweeted that the news legend was feeling OK before the end of the broadcast, with Peter himself tweeting just after its conclusion at 7pm that he was fine.

‘Thanks so much for your well wishes… I am feeling better already. I am most grateful for your support,’ he said. 

Veteran: Peter has been a mainstay as the face of Nine News Melbourne since 1998

Veteran: Peter has been a mainstay as the face of Nine News Melbourne since 1998

'Better already': Nine tweeted that the news legend was feeling OK before the end of the broadcast, with Peter himself tweeting just after its conclusion at 7pm that he was fine

‘Better already’: Nine tweeted that the news legend was feeling OK before the end of the broadcast, with Peter himself tweeting just after its conclusion at 7pm that he was fine

There was immediate concern for Peter’s health, with Australian wheelchair star Dylan Alcott one of the first to comment. 

‘@9NewsMelb can someone please replace Peter Hitchener for the rest of the night and make sure the king is ok? Worried about him!!!’ the reigning Australian Open champion tweeted.

‘Fingers crossed he is feeling a bit better. I know all his viewers would be very concerned,’ another Twitter user said.

Other observers said Peter looked to have been struggling throughout the broadcast and were relieved to see him taken off and hear that he was fine.

Concern: There was immediate concern for Peter's health, with Australian wheelchair star Dylan Alcott one of the first to comment

Concern: There was immediate concern for Peter’s health, with Australian wheelchair star Dylan Alcott one of the first to comment