Clive Myrie Eye: The Story Behind the BBC Presenter’s Health Concern

Clive Myrie is a British journalist, presenter and television host of BBC’s News at Six. Myrie, early in his career, gained fame for his eyewitness reporting from conflict zones and subsequently slowly transitioned to becoming the host of Mastermind.
But during January of the year 2025, the public noted something abnormal during one of Myrie’s broadcasts; he had a droopy left eye that was swollen. Thus the term ‘Clive Myrie Eye was coined for the episode. In this article we will tell you all about Clive Myrie’s life.
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He is Jamaican, as his parents moved to England in the 60s in hopes of a better life. His mother was a seamstress for Mary Quant, while his father worked at a factory which produced battery cells for cars.
Before he completed his A-Levels at Bolton Sixth Form College, Myrie attended Hayward Grammar School in Bolton. He went on to obtain a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Sussex.
In 1987, Clive Myrie became a trainee reporter for the BBC, kickstarting his career in journalism. His first role was in local radio, where he reported on regional issues. After a few years, he was able to secure a position as a foreign correspondent due to the dedication he showed throughout his career.
Myrie spent several years reporting from various global locations, covering some of the most significant events in world history. He was stationed in:
As a foreign correspondent, Myrie reported on the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, as well as other major conflicts. His reputation as a fearless reporter, braving war zones and conflict-riddled regions, won him a great deal of respect as well as several awards.
Clive Myrie began presenting for BBC News in 2009, during which he was the face for the main news bulletins, such as BBC at Six and BBC at Ten. His attendance alone made him one of the most well-known individuals in Britain due to the authoritative manner in which he spoke and hosted the shows.
In 2021, Myrie hosted the famous BBC quiz show Mastermind, taking over from John Humphrys, who had been the face of the show for 19 years. While John had a serious approach throughout his hosting phase, Myrie was able to keep a levelheaded approach while still giving a unique touch to the show.
On January 6, 2025, Clive Myrie appeared on BBC News at Six, and viewers immediately noticed something unusual about his left eye—it was visibly drooping and swollen.
In response to the growing concern, Myrie personally reassured viewers that his eye issue was not serious. He posted a message saying:
“Happy New 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 I thought that might be a bit too dramatic!”
Later, doctors suggested the possibility of underlying ptosis, a condition that happens due to muscle paralysis or nerve damage to the upper eyelid. Other less severe explanations included an eye infection, sleep deprivation, and ageing.
This incident, widely known as the Clive Myrie Eye episode, increased awareness about eye health conditions and how they can affect even high-profile individuals.
Clive Myrie is married to Catherine Myrie, a furniture restorer and upholsterer. The couple met in 1992 during a book launch in London and tied the knot in 1998 after several years of dating.
Myrie has always given credit to his wife for being his strongest backbone. The couple lives a quiet life, and although they have no children, they have a strong relationship together. They live in Islington, North London, at the moment.
Clive Myrie keeps a low profile on social media but does post about his work and experiences from time to time. His restrained presence online indicates how seriously he takes journalism. He does have a Twitter/X account under the handle @CliveMyrieBBC, but his Instagram and Facebook accounts remain undisclosed.
In 2025, Clive Myrie’s net worth is estimated to remain in the range of £2 million to £4 million. He earns most of his income from the BBC, including his positions as:
Myrie was in the news in October 2024 for all the wrong reasons when it transpired that, for the second year running, he had failed to declare received corporate remuneration of £145,000. He later claimed it was an oversight and that the matter had been dealt with.
The English journalist Clive Myrie’s journey is an epitome of hard work, perseverance and integrity in Journalism. His transition from local radio to being a trusted face presenter for the BBC involves a tale of determination towards delivering credible and authentic news. In January 2025, the incident with The Clive Myrie Eye served as a reminder of how much attention the public gives to the newsreaders they love.
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