Melanie Sykes has shared her most heartbreaking health update to date — revealing she is living in constant pain as she battles a devastating autoimmune condition that has already taken more than two-thirds of her hair.
The 55-year-old TV presenter broke down in a raw, deeply emotional video posted to Instagram on Sunday, admitting she has been unwell for almost the entire year. Wrapped up in layers — a jumper, coat, scarf and hat — Melanie told followers she is suffering from severe inflammation throughout her body, a reality that has transformed both her appearance and her daily life.
“I’m not well… I’ve been ill all year,” she said quietly.
“I’ve got an autoimmune condition. I’m losing my hair. I keep getting inflammation all over my body… and I’m trying to heal.”
In the midst of relentless physical pain, Melanie revealed she has turned to meditation and spirituality as a way to stay mentally grounded — describing her existence now as a “spiritual one.”
“I’m in so much pain,” she admitted. “But meditation is one of the few things that’s helping me emotionally.”
Earlier this year, Melanie had already given fans a glimpse into her struggle with hair loss. In April, she bravely showed a visible bald patch while undergoing medical tests in London.
“I am experiencing alopecia and heart issues due to everything that has happened,” she revealed at the time.
“PTSD, shock, mistreatment and malpractice.”
In her latest video, the extent of the hair loss became even clearer as she parted sections of her hair to show just how dramatic the thinning has become.
“I’ve lost inches from my hairline at the back,” she explained.
“I probably only have about half of my hair left.”
The mother of two also opened up about crippling stress and severe insomnia, both of which have intensified her exhaustion and emotional strain.
Despite enrolling in a meditation teacher training course in recent months, Melanie revealed she was too unwell to even complete the final days.
“I don’t necessarily want to teach,” she said. “But I could have… if I hadn’t become so ill.”
Alongside her video, she shared a gentle but emotional message to fans confirming she had returned to YouTube after a long period away.
“After a long time of learning, meditating and healing… I’m back,” she wrote.
“Remember, I love you always.”
Melanie also didn’t hold back when speaking about her experience with the healthcare system. In a rare burst of anger, she said she felt compelled to speak up about what she had “learned, observed and endured.”
“This country must do better,” she stated.
“Our health services are utterly shocking — apart from a few rare humans who truly listen without judgement.”
Despite everything, there is one small source of relief: Melanie confirmed she is now receiving treatment and has seen a specialist who has reassured her that her hair should grow back.
Fans have since flooded her with messages of love and support, calling her “incredibly brave,” “honest,” and “heart-breakingly strong.” Many admitted they were moved to tears when she confessed she no longer recognises herself in the mirror.
Born in Lancashire, Melanie first became a household name in 1996 through a Boddingtons Bitter advert before rising to fame on The Big Breakfast in 1997, later co-hosting Today with Des and Mel. She reached a new generation of fans in 2014 when she finished third on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!.
Decades into her career, Melanie is now facing one of her most painful personal battles yet — but her honesty, vulnerability and refusal to stay silent are once again showing the strength that first made the public fall in love with her.