Melanie Sykes 'lost half her hair' as she opens up about health battle

has revealed she's been struggling with alopecia and heart issues in a devastating health update with fans. On Friday evening, the 54-year-old star took to her page to share a photo of her side profile where she pointed out the bald spot on her head.

The TV star took the picture while she was in London investigating "some health issues". Writing to her followers, Mel said: "I am experiencing alopecia and heart issues due to all that has happened over the last few months. Ptsd, shock, mistreatment and malpractice," as she urged fans to watch her video where she explains more.

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"I am uploading a new video on youtube because I wanted to share what I have learned, observed and endured recently. Not because of the trend of sharing all diagnosis but to share the experiences I have encountered in the British medical system in the state and private sector for the last few weeks and beyond, and it's crashing flaws and how the mainstream media effects me & my life."

Criticising the health care in the UK, she continued: "This country must do better, and get better. Our health services are utterly shocking bar a few and rare decent humans who listen without predudice and judgement.

"It is a lottery who you will encounter and how that experience can play out. Despite these health developments, I myself am full of love, hope and happiness.

"My two weeks in London were magical, and being with my sons, my pooch and my tiny circle of close friends who have been there for in spades has been so fun.

"I love them and am grateful to them always, and for the new friends, generous souls and new contacts I made over that two weeks. You know who you are."

In the 30-minute-long video on her YouTube channel, Mel went into further detail on her health struggles as she showcased her hair loss by parting sections of her hair.

She also said she has been struggling with stress and insomnia. The star explained how she developed a heart problem amid the allegations against her former colleague Gino D'Acampo.

The chef was accused of allegations of inappropriate and intimidating behaviour over a 12-year period - which he has vehemently denied.

Mel worked with the TV chef on ITV's Let's Do Lunch and opened up about her experiences with "misogyny" in the TV industry.

In the video, she said: "I'm experiencing alopecia in quite a significant way. I've lost inches off my hairline at the back and probably got half my hair at the moment."

The star, who is having treatment, has been seeing a scalp specialist who says her hair will grow back. She also went to see several cardiologists about her "dodgy ticker" but felt like she was being dismissed because of her autism and ADHD.

Thankfully, she soon found a specialist who took her concerns seriously. "I'm having a heart monitor sent to the house and I have got to wear it for two days to monitor the sound of it, " Mel explained.

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