Melanie Sykes reveals she has been diagnosed with an autoimmune condition and is now ‘two-thirds bald’ leaving her in ‘so much pain’

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Melanie Sykes shared that she’s struggling with significant pain due to a recently diagnosed autoimmune condition, which has caused her to lose about two-thirds of her hair.

The 55-year-old TV personality shared on Instagram Sunday that she’s also dealing with widespread inflammation throughout her body.

Melanie shared on social media that she’s been focusing on her spirituality and staying positive, even while battling illness – she was seen wearing warm clothes like a jumper, jacket, scarf, and hat. She encouraged others to try meditation as a way to cope and find inner peace.

As you’re aware, I haven’t been feeling well all year. I have an autoimmune condition that’s causing hair loss and ongoing inflammation, and I’m currently focusing on getting better.

I recently completed most of a meditation teacher training course. I wasn’t able to finish the final couple of days due to illness. While I don’t plan on becoming a teacher, I found the training valuable.

‘Mostly I’ve been living a very, very very spiritual existence.’

She shared a video with a heartfelt message: ‘It’s been a while ❤️ I’m starting to create content on YouTube again after taking time to learn, reflect, and focus on my well-being – a journey that’s still continuing. Sending you all my love!’

In April, she opened up about her hair loss and shared a side view of herself, highlighting a bald spot.

She said the photo was taken whilst she was in London, investigating some health issues.’

The former TV presenter shared that she’s been dealing with hair loss and heart problems as a result of the difficult past few months. She attributed these health issues to trauma, shock, and what she described as mistreatment and medical negligence.

Okay, so Mel just announced she’s putting up a new YouTube video, and I’m so excited! Apparently, she’s been going through a lot with the UK healthcare system, and she wants to share everything – what she’s learned, what she’s seen, and honestly, what she’s been through. I’m already bracing myself, it sounds intense, but I trust her to tell it like it is. I’m definitely tuning in!

She continued, stating that the country needs to significantly improve, especially its healthcare system. While a few dedicated and compassionate individuals exist, overall, the health services are deeply inadequate.

I recently opened up about my health journey and, to be honest, it was a vulnerable moment. I wanted to be real with everyone, so I showed what’s been happening with my hair loss, parting it to show the areas affected. It felt important to share this part of my life and connect with others who might be going through something similar.

She explained she’s losing a lot of hair due to alopecia, with her hairline receding several inches and estimating she has about half the hair she used to have.

The mother-of-two also added how she had been dealing with stress and insomnia.

Fortunately, she’s receiving treatment and a scalp specialist has assured her that her hair will grow back.

Mel became well-known in 1996 after appearing in a TV commercial where she served Boddingtons Bitter from an ice cream van. She was born in Lancashire.

She built a thriving television career, starting with the show Big Breakfast in 1997 and later hosting Today with Des and Mel alongside the late Des O’Connor in 2002.

In 2014, she appeared on the ITV show I’m A Celebrity, where she finished third, just behind singer Jake Quickenden from The X Factor.

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2025-12-01 15:48