Fred Sirieix’s fiancee Fruitcake revealed she was diagnosed with Bell’s palsy and admitted she “doesn’t recognize her own reflection.”
The TV personality, 52, met her fiancé nine years ago when they locked eyes while walking in Peckham.
Fruitcake took to Instagram on Tuesday to address a six-week hiatus and revealed that she had been recovering from Bell’s palsy, a neurological condition that causes temporary weakness or paralysis in the muscles on one side of the face.
The fashion expert, 50, admitted she was rushed to hospital in an ambulance after symptoms, which can be similar to those of a stroke, appeared.
Fruitcake shared a collection of selfies from her battle with Bell’s Palsy while giving her fans a glimpse into her recovery.
On Instagram, he said: ‘Hello everyone! I have been away for the past few months due to a diagnosis of Bell’s Palsy.
Fred Sirieix’s fiancee Fruitcake revealed she was diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy and admitted she “doesn’t recognize her own reflection” (pictured in May).
Fruitcake took to Instagram on Tuesday to address a six-week hiatus and revealed that she had been recovering from Bell’s palsy, a neurological condition that causes temporary weakness or paralysis in the muscles on one side of the face.
“For those who may not know, this condition causes sudden, temporary weakness or paralysis of the muscles on one side of the face.”
Speaking about her symptoms, she said: “At first, I experienced excruciating pain, facial distortion (check out my photos – the last one is the most recent) and discomfort in my ear and head, which was incredibly painful and difficult to deal with.
‘The symptoms of Bell’s palsy are similar to those of a stroke. So when I called the NHS helpline, an ambulance rushed me to A&E for immediate care.
“I am now dealing with some lingering problems, such as visual disturbances and pain in my ear and jaw.”
Fruitcake shared that the loss of feeling in her face meant that she sometimes didn’t recognize her reflection.
“One of the hardest challenges has been not recognizing my reflection in the mirror, which caused me to withdraw from social situations,” she said.
‘However, each day brings new blessings and I am starting to look more like myself again. Since my diagnosis, I have delved into research into the disease, something I had never even heard of until now. Hearing the stories of other people in similar situations has been incredibly inspiring.”
He added: ‘I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude: my family and friends have been incredible throughout this journey.
Fruitcake shared a collection of selfies from her battle with Bell’s Palsy while giving her fans a glimpse into her recovery.
The fashion expert, 50, admitted she was rushed to hospital in an ambulance after symptoms, which can be similar to those of a stroke, appeared.
On Instagram, he said: ‘Hello everyone! I have been away for the past few months due to a diagnosis of Bell’s Palsy.
Talking about his symptoms, he said: “At first, I experienced excruciating pain and facial distortion (check out my photos; the last one is the most recent)” (Recent selfie in the photo).
‘Thank you to everyone who stopped by to see how I was doing; Your support means the world! Thanks also to all the members of the NHS who looked after me. You guys are brilliant x
‘I feel truly blessed that my recovery is progressing faster than I initially anticipated.
‘As we approach the Christmas season, I wish you all a beautiful Christmas and all the best in 2025! I’ll be back soon to share my fashion finds, but in the meantime, stay safe and most importantly, healthy! Take care and see you soon! .”
Fred previously revealed that he and Fruitcake had canceled their wedding and planned to wait until the end of the Covid pandemic to exchange their vows.
He also revealed that due to the lockdown he couldn’t present a ring to his fiancée when he popped the question, but luckily she still said yes.
While in the I’m A Celebrity jungle last year (pictured), Fred said he and Fruitcake plan to say ‘I do’ in Jamaica.
Fred previously revealed that he and Fruitcake had canceled their wedding and planned to wait until the end of the Covid pandemic to exchange their vows.
While on the I’m A Celebrity jungle last year, Fred said he and Fruitcake plan to say ‘I do’ in Jamaica.
Fred said: ‘I’ve never had a bad date. But just as I met Fruitcake, I met her in Peckham…
“She was walking towards me and she was smiling at me and I was smiling at her and I liked her eyes… I just had to talk to her…
“I asked for his number and said, ‘Are we going to have a drink tonight?’ ‘That was nine years ago. We’re getting married next year in Jamaica.’