Fred Sirieix’s fiancé Fruitcake has revealed that she was diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy and admitted she ‘doesn’t recognise her own reflection’.
The TV personality, 52, met his fiancé nine years ago when they caught one another’s eye when walking through Peckham.
Fruitcake took to Instagram on Tuesday to address a six week hiatus as she revealed she had been recovering from Bell’s Palsy – a neurological condition which causes temporary weakness or paralysis in the muscles on one side of the face.
The fashion expert, 50, admitted she had been rushed to hospital in an ambulance after the symptoms appeared, as they can be similar to that of a stroke.
Fruitcake shared a collection of selfies from throughout her battle with Bell’s Palsy as she gave fans an insight into her recovery.
Taking to Instagram, she said: ‘Hello, everyone! I’ve been away for the past couple of months due to a diagnosis of Bell’s Palsy.
Fred Sirieix’s fiancé Fruitcake has revealed that she was diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy and admitted she ‘doesn’t recognise her own reflection’ (Pictured in May)
Fruitcake took to Instagram on Tuesday to address a six week hiatus as she revealed she had been recovering from Bell’s Palsy – a neurological condition which 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.’
Opening up about her symptoms, she said: ‘Initially, I experienced excruciating pain, facial distortion (check out my pics – last one is most recent), and discomfort in my ear and head, which was incredibly painful and challenging to manage.
‘The symptoms of Bell’s Palsy are similar to a stroke. And so when I called the NHS helpline, I was rushed to A&E by ambulance for immediate care.
‘Now, I’m managing some ongoing issues like visual disturbances and aches in my ear and jaw.’
Fruitcake shared that the loss of feeling in her face meant at times she didn’t recognise her reflection.
‘One of the toughest challenges has been not recognising my reflection in the mirror, which made me retreat from social situations,’ she said.
‘However, each day brings new blessings, and I’m starting to look more like myself again. Since my diagnosis, I’ve delved into researching the condition—something I hadn’t even heard of until now. Hearing the stories of others in similar situations has been incredibly inspiring.’
She added: ‘I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude—my family and friends have been incredible throughout this journey.
Fruitcake shared a collection of selfies from throughout her battle with Bell’s Palsy as she gave fans an insight into her recovery
The fashion expert, 50, admitted she had been rushed to hospital in an ambulance after the symptoms appeared, as they can be similar to that of a stroke
Taking to Instagram, she said: ‘Hello, everyone! I’ve been away for the past couple of months due to a diagnosis of Bell’s Palsy’
Opening up about her symptoms, she said: ‘Initially, I experienced excruciating pain, facial distortion (check out my pics – last one is most recent)’ (Recent selfie pictured)
‘Thank you to everyone who has reached out to check on me; your support means the world! Thank you also to everyone at 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 holiday season, I wish you all a lovely Christmas and all the best in 2025! I’ll be back soon to share my fashion finds, but in the meantime, please stay safe and, most importantly, healthy! Take care, and see you soon! ❤️.’
Fred previously revealed that he and Fruitcake had cancelled their wedding, and were planning to wait until the end of the Covid pandemic to exchange their vows.
He also revealed that due to lockdown he couldn’t present his fiancé with a ring 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 are planning to say ‘I do’ in Jamaica
Fred previously revealed that he and Fruitcake had cancelled their wedding, and were planning to wait until the end of the Covid pandemic to exchange their vows
While in the I’m A Celebrity jungle last year, Fred said he and Fruitcake are planning to say ‘I do’ in Jamaica.
Fred said: ‘I’ve never had a bad date. But the way I met Fruitcake, I met her in Peckham…
‘I was walking up 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 her number, I said, “Shall we go for a drink tonight?” ‘That was nine years ago. We’re getting married next year in Jamaica.’