Fred Sirieix's fiancée reveals 'excruciating pain' as she shares health diagnosis

Fred Sirieix's fiancée has revealed how she was left in 'excruciating pain' due to a health condition. The First Dates host and former ITV I'm a Celeb star is engaged to Fruitcake - who has decided to keep her real name hidden.

The couple went public with their relationship in 2018. Fruitcake has recently been forced to step back from public life after being diagnosed with Bell's palsy.

She told how she suffered a 'sudden, temporary weakness or paralysis of the muscles on one side of the face'. Fruitcake admitted she thought she was having a stroke and rushed to A&E after calling the NHS helpline.

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Fruitcake said she is currently battling 'some ongoing issues' such as visual disturbances and aches in her ear and jaw, Mirror reports. She has also been left struggling with not recognising herself in the mirror, which made her want to stay away from social situations.

In a candid social media post, she said: "I’ve been away for the past couple of months due to a diagnosis of Bell’s Palsy. For those who may not know this condition causes sudden, temporary weakness or paralysis of the muscles on one side of the face.

"Initially, I experienced excruciating pain, facial distortion, 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.

"One of the toughest challenges has been not recognising my reflection in the mirror, which made me retreat from social situations. 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."

Fruitcake continued: "I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude—my family and friends have been incredible throughout this journey. 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."

According to the NHS, Bell's palsy is temporary weakness or lack of movement which usually affects one side of the face. Symptoms include weakness on one side of your face, a drooping eyelid or corner of your mouth, drooling, a dry mouth, loss of taste and a dry or watering eye.

If someone experiences symptoms of Bell's palsy, they must call 111.