Comedian Miranda Hart has issued a health update and ruled herself out of ever signing up for Strictly Come Dancing because of it.
After a four-year break from our screens, the 52-year-old star revealed last year that she has been battling Lyme disease for the past three decades.
A year on, she has said that it’s still very much “one day at a time”.
Miranda Hart issues health update
Fan-favourite Miranda took to Instagram to tease a “new literary offering” that she’ll be announcing tomorrow (August 14).
“Hello to you,” she greeted fans, in signature Miranda style. “Well I have news.…”
At this, she began to hum the Strictly theme tune, before adding: “No, that was a joke. That really was a joke. Was that a double bluff? No, it was a joke. I shouldn’t – oh gosh, what have I done?”
Miranda’s co-star Sarah Hadland of course took part in last year’s competition, where she outed Miranda as a superfan. “The menopausal mounds of this body is not ready for any sort of dance floor, let alone one on national television!” she sadly joked.
She continued to give fans an update on how it’s all going, health-wise.
It’s one day at a time.
“This time last year I was rather anxiously telling people I had written a book about suffering from Lyme disease and other delightful associated conditions,” she reflected. “I am still amazed and blown away that people have been blown away by the book. If you’re one of me, if you’re a fellow sufferer, than you know it’s one day at a time with recovery.”
Back on the topic of Strictly, she mused: “And that would be a little bit too early, I feel, for the dancing every day for three months… She says as if she’d get to the final if she did it,” Miranda added jokingly, before concluding: “I’ll do it when I’m 60, I’ve decided.”
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What is Lyme disease?
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that can be spread to humans by infected ticks. It’s usually easier to treat if it’s diagnosed early.
A circular or oval-shaped rash around a tick bite can be an early symptom of Lyme disease in some people. Some people also get flu-like symptoms a few days or weeks after they were bitten by an infected tick.
A few people who are diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease continue to have symptoms, such as tiredness, aches and loss of energy, that can last for years. These symptoms are often compared to fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Miranda has also been diagnosed with ME, often referred to as chronic fatigue syndrome.
Star inundated with support
Fans were quick to flood Miranda with support after she admitting taking her recovery “one day at a time”.
One commented: “Is Lyme disease something you can recover from? I hope so! And would love to see you perform on Strictly.” A second added: “While I was in the process of reading your book I was diagnosed with Lyme disease and to say it helped me is an understatement. I felt so isolated and alone for so long not know what I was dealing with or how to face it. Your book has become a roadmap and safe space for me.”
A third added: “You are a lovely human. Thanks for all your humour and positivity. And for shining a light on chronic illness.”
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