Morning Live presenter Michelle Ackerley has revealed she was rushed to hospital after coming off air last week, just days before beginning her maternity leave.
The 41-year-old BBC star, who is expecting her first child with husband Benjamin Ryan, returned to the popular daytime show earlier this month following its summer break.
But after presenting alongside Rav Wilding on Monday, September 8, Michelle was noticeably absent from subsequent episodes. Now, she’s shared the reason why.
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Morning Live presenter Michelle Ackerley diagnosed with labyrinthitis
Taking to Instagram with a photo of her bare bump, Michelle explained she had spent four days in hospital after contracting labyrinthitis.
Labyrinthitis is an infection that affects the inner ear and can cause severe dizziness, nausea and hearing loss.
“Well, it’s been quite the rollercoaster of a few days this end,” she wrote. “Had such a lovely day back at work with the awesome @bbcmorninglive team last Monday. Then, unfortunately ended up in hospital with labyrinthitis for the next 4 days.”
The presenter praised the midwives at St Mary’s Hospital in Manchester for keeping her calm throughout the ordeal, especially with the added stress of being ill while pregnant.
Now recovering at home, she confirmed she has officially begun her maternity leave.
“Resting up and nesting up at home now,” she added. “I’ll be back on Morning Live in the New Year, though, with a new baby addition to add to the family.”
Fans react
Fans were quick to flood her with messages of support and well-wishes.
One commented: “Sending lots of love to you! So pleased to see you at home after your hospital stay. Big hugs.”
“Wishing you all the very best. Speedy recovery,” another wrote.
“Labyrinthitis is awful and very, very scary the first time it happens,” one fan sympathised. “Hope you are recovering and hope everything goes well with the new baby.”
“Oh, you beautiful soul. Rest up and take good care of yourself. Massive love!” presenter Gaby Roslin left her own words of support.
Michelle first announced her pregnancy in May. The presenter called her unborn baby a “miracle” following a difficult journey with endometriosis and fertility challenges.
Speaking to HELLO! at the time, she shared: “I’m expecting a little girl in October, and it feels very special. When I found out I was pregnant, I told my husband, and he said: ‘This is a baby miracle.'”
Reflecting further on the journey, Michelle admitted that the news initially brought “nervous and cautious excitement”, due to her ongoing health struggles. She has been praised by fans for her openness about women’s health.
Read more: Emotional Gethin Jones’ sadness over Morning Live exit: ‘Off for a brilliant new adventure’
Morning Live airs on weekdays on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 9.30am.
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