On the evening of January 6, 2025, BBC News at Six presenter Clive Myrie, a seasoned journalist and beloved figure in British broadcasting, took to the airwaves as he has done countless times before. Dressed impeccably in a black suit, white shirt, and navy blue tie, the 60-year-old anchor delivered the day’s headlines with his characteristic poise. But as the broadcast unfolded, viewers at home noticed something alarming: Myrie’s left eye appeared to droop progressively, almost half-closed, while his right eye remained fully open. The unusual sight sparked an immediate outpouring of concern across social media, with fans flooding platforms like X with questions about the broadcaster’s health. Was this a sign of something serious? Had Myrie suffered an injury or a medical emergency? The internet buzzed with speculation, ranging from benign explanations to fears of a stroke. Within hours, Myrie himself stepped in to calm the storm, revealing the truth behind his startling appearance and reassuring fans with his trademark humor.

The incident occurred during a routine broadcast of BBC News at Six, one of the flagship programs of the British Broadcasting Corporation. Myrie, who has been a staple of BBC newsrooms since joining as a trainee reporter in 1987, is known for his authoritative yet approachable style. Whether covering global conflicts, presenting the quiz show Mastermind, or exploring the world in his travel series, Myrie has earned a reputation as a trusted and charismatic figure. So, when viewers noticed his drooping eye, the reaction was swift and visceral. “I hope Clive Myrie’s OK. A lot of us are noticing his droopy eye,” one viewer posted on X. Another asked, “What’s the matter with Clive Myrie’s left eye?” A third went further, speculating, “Has he had a stroke recently?” The concern was palpable, reflecting the deep connection audiences feel with the broadcaster who has become a familiar presence in their homes.

Myrie, ever the professional, did not address the issue during the live broadcast, focusing instead on delivering the news with clarity and gravitas. But the speculation continued to swirl online, with some suggesting a possible stye or injury, while others worried about more serious conditions like Horner’s syndrome or myasthenia gravis. The intensity of the public’s response underscored Myrie’s status as a national treasure, a journalist whose career has spanned decades and continents, from war zones in Iraq to the studios of London. By the time the broadcast ended, the hashtag #CliveMyrie was trending, and viewers were clamoring for reassurance.

In true Myrie fashion, the presenter took to X shortly after the broadcast to address the concerns with a mix of candor and levity. “Happy N.Year everyone and thank you all for your concern over my left eye,” he wrote. “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.” The lighthearted reference to the pirate character from Treasure Island brought a collective sigh of relief from fans, who appreciated Myrie’s ability to diffuse tension with humor. A BBC spokesperson quickly corroborated his statement, confirming to media outlets that “Clive is fine and just has an eye infection.” The swift response quelled fears, but the incident sparked a broader conversation about health, aging, and the pressures faced by public figures in the spotlight.

To provide further clarity, medical experts weighed in on the condition that had caused such alarm. Dr. Alasdair Scott, a science director at Selph, explained that Myrie’s drooping eye was likely a case of ptosis, a condition where the upper eyelid droops due to weakened muscles or nerve issues. Ptosis can be congenital, present from birth due to underdeveloped muscles, but it is more commonly associated with aging. “As we age, the skin and muscles around the eyes stretch and weaken, causing drooping of the eyelid,” Dr. Scott noted. He estimated that up to one in five adults over 70 may experience some degree of ptosis, and with over nine million people in the UK in this age group, the condition could affect nearly 1.8 million individuals. In Myrie’s case, the drooping was likely exacerbated by an infection, such as conjunctivitis or a stye, which can cause temporary swelling and contribute to the appearance of ptosis. Dr. Scott reassured that such cases often resolve as the infection heals, aligning with Myrie’s own explanation.

While the health scare was short-lived, it wasn’t the first time Myrie had faced public scrutiny. Just months earlier, in October 2024, he made headlines for failing to declare earnings from corporate events, a breach of BBC transparency rules. Myrie, who earns approximately £310,000 annually for his news presenting roles and an undisclosed sum for hosting Mastermind, reportedly earned £145,000 from external speaking engagements. BBC director-general Tim Davie’s 2021 mandate requires on-screen talent to disclose such earnings quarterly, but Myrie admitted to administrative errors that delayed the reporting of several events. Taking to X, he issued a public 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 in the foreseeable future, beyond a handful of pre-existing commitments, so that this doesn’t happen again.” The incident, though resolved, highlighted the intense scrutiny faced by public figures like Myrie, whose every action—on and off screen—is closely watched.

The drooping eye incident also shed light on the broader issue of public health awareness. Ptosis, while often cosmetic, can sometimes signal underlying conditions such as nerve damage, diabetes, or even a stroke. The NHS advises seeking medical attention if a drooping eyelid is accompanied by symptoms like blurred vision, pain, or a high fever. Myrie’s openness about his condition helped demystify ptosis, encouraging viewers to pay attention to their own health without jumping to worst-case scenarios. His humorous approach—joking about an eye patch—also humanized him further, reminding audiences that even polished broadcasters face everyday challenges.

For Myrie, the incident was a fleeting moment in a storied career. From his early days as a BBC trainee to his current role as a chief news correspondent and Mastermind host, he has navigated wars, political upheavals, and cultural shifts with grace. His recent accolades, including being named Chancellor of the University of the Arts London and receiving honorary degrees from institutions like the University of Oxford, reflect his stature as a respected figure in journalism and beyond. Yet, the drooping eye episode was a reminder of his humanity, a moment when the polished presenter became relatable, vulnerable, and real.

As the dust settles, Myrie continues to grace BBC screens, delivering news with the same professionalism that has defined his career. His fans, relieved to know the scare was minor, have rallied around him, flooding X with messages of support and well-wishes for 2025. For now, the pirate eye patch remains a humorous what-if, but the incident has cemented Myrie’s place not just as a broadcaster but as a figure who can turn a moment of vulnerability into a masterclass in resilience and relatability.