Melanie Sykes has shared a candid new look at her battle with alopecia, revealing the extent of her hair loss after previously saying the autoimmune condition has left her 'two-thirds bald'.
The 55-year-old former TV presenter posted a video to social media showing the sides of her head, where large patches of hair have disappeared as she continues to deal with ongoing health problems.
Lying on her back, Sykes slowly turned her head from side to side to reveal the areas affected by alopecia, simply captioning the clip: '#Liberty'. The update comes more than a year after the broadcaster first revealed she had been diagnosed with alopecia, alongside a heart condition and widespread inflammation, which she has linked to prolonged stress and PTSD.
Sykes revealed the progressing bald patches in her hair in a video, where she also spoke about her ongoing health struggles, including heart palpitations and excessive inflammation throughout her body.
She has been open about her struggles with the autoimmune condition, which has left her with significant hair loss and inflammation, and has spoken about the impact it has had on her mental health.
Despite the challenges, Sykes has repeatedly spoken about focusing on her recovery and maintaining a positive outlook, and has encouraged fans not to worry about her, insisting she has learned to prioritise her own wellbeing after stepping away from television.
Sykes has been a prominent figure in British entertainment for many years, presenting shows including The Big Breakfast, Today with Des and Mel, and Let's Do Lunch with Gino & Mel, and has also spoken out about her experiences with autism, which she was diagnosed with in 2021.
She has also encouraged fans to practice self-care and focus on their own wellbeing, saying 'it's not always easy to be grateful, but it is the key to happiness and takes daily, moment-to-moment practice. Practice love.'
In a video update earlier this year, Sykes said she was 'not well, as you know. I've been ill all year' and has spoken about the impact of stress and trauma on her mental and physical health.
Despite her health struggles, Sykes remains optimistic and has spoken about the positive changes she has experienced as a result of her post-traumatic growth, saying 'even the most difficult times do pass, they do. You can be suffering from PTSD but still at the same time be experiencing post-traumatic growth.'
Sykes has also spoken about her experience with Gregg Wallace, who she says led her to quit TV, and has spoken out against the BBC and ITV in the past, saying she has been 'ill all year' and has been working on healing.
She has also encouraged fans to prioritize their own wellbeing and focus on self-care, saying 'my late diagnosis of autism has changed my life for the better. For once, I come first.'
