TV presenter Melanie Sykes has spoken candidly about her recent health challenges, disclosing she is suffering from alopecia and heart complications triggered by stress. The 54-year-old shared a photo on Instagram, exposing a bald patch on the side of her head, which she attributed to “PTSD, shock, mistreatment and malpractice.” Sykes explained that her condition has developed in recent months, following a period of significant emotional and professional strain.
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In her emotional post, she criticised the state of the UK’s healthcare system, stating: “This country must do better, and get better. Our health services are utterly shocking, bar a few and rare decent humans who listen without prejudice and judgement.” Despite these setbacks, she emphasised that she remains “full of love, hope and happiness.” Further elaborating in a video on her YouTube channel, Sykes linked her health issues to stress caused by the recent allegations against TV chef Gino D’Acampo, her former co-host on ITV’s Let’s Do Lunch.
D’Acampo has been accused of inappropriate and intimidating behaviour spanning more than a decade, allegations he strongly denies. Sykes, who described the claims as “heinous,” reflected on her own experience working with him and the psychological toll it has taken. “I am experiencing alopecia in quite a significant way. I have probably got half my hair at the moment,” she said, adding that the night the allegations broke, she was unable to sleep. She described her time in television as akin to being “in a war zone,” highlighting a broader culture of misogyny within the industry.
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Sykes has since turned to specialists for treatment. While she is hopeful her hair will grow back with appropriate care, she has also begun working with cardiologists to investigate her irregular heartbeat. She noted feeling dismissed at first, attributing it to her diagnoses of autism and ADHD. She is currently using medical cannabis under supervision to alleviate symptoms. A well-known figure since the 1990s, Sykes continues to advocate for a safer and more respectful entertainment industry while prioritising her recovery.
