Fred Sirieix’s fiancée Fruitcake ‘doesn’t recognise her own reflection’ after crushing diagnosis-Meghna Amin-Entertainment – Metro

Fred Sirieix’s fiancée Fruitcake has bravely shared her health diagnosis (Picture: James Gourley/ITV/Shutterstock)

Fred Sirieix’s fiancée Fruitcake has bravely opened up about a health condition she’s been diagnosed with.

The First Dates star, 52, met his partner ten years ago and has been affectionately referring to her as ‘fruitcake’ on social media.

The pair regularly post pictures together on cute dates and luxurious-looking holidays, however, Fruitcake has now taken to Instagram to reveal a ‘tough challenge’ she’s faced with her health.

Alongside several selfies showing her face which appeared to be swollen in different place, Fruitcake said she had been diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy after being rushed to A&E.

The condition, which I’m A Celebrity star Tulisa Contostavlos also suffers from, has caused her to experience ‘excruciating pain, facial distortion, and discomfort,’ and led to her heartbreakingly not being able to recognise her own reflection.

She wrote: ‘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 (check out my pics – last one is most recent), and discomfort in my ear and head, which was incredibly painful and challenging to manage.

Fruitcake revealed she had been diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy (Picture:Instagram/fruitcake_fundamentals)

She said she had experienced ‘excruciating pain, facial distortion, and discomfort,’ (Picture: Instagram/fruitcake_fundamentals)

‘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.’

She went on: ‘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 welcomed Fred on the bridge after his stint on I’m A Celebrity (Picture: James Gourley/ITV/Shutterstock)

She said she was rushed to A&E for immediate care (Picture: Instagram/ fruitcake_fundamentals)

Fruitcake heartbreakingly wrote that she feels as though she doesn’t recognise her own reflection (Picture: Instagram/fruitcake_fundamentals)

‘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. 🙏🏿

‘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! ❤️
#lifecomesatyoufast#healthiswealth#listentoyourbody#thankfulandgratefulalways.’

Fruitcake was showered in support, including from Fred (Picture: Aaron Chown/PA Wire)

She later thanked her followers (Picture: Instagram)

According to the NHS, Bell’s palsy can result in ‘temporary weakness or lack of movement that usually affects 1 side of the face’.

Fruitcake was showered in support from her followers, with Fred writing: ‘My love,’ and his I’m A Celebrity co-star Danielle Harold commenting: ‘Sending you lots of love.’

‘Wishing you a speedy recovery my darling,’ Denise Lewis wrote, while Claro Amfo said: ‘<3 sending you love sweet lady xx.’

She later thanked followers for their support, sharing on her Instagram stories: ‘Feeling incredibly grateful for all the love and support from each of you! Your kind messages in my DMs and comments mean the world to me.

The couple met ten years ago (Picture: PA)

The announced their engagement in March 2020 (Picture: James Gourley/REX/Shutterstock)

‘Wish I could thank you all individually… I’ll get there!

‘I’ll be back before you know it after all I’ve got a wedding to attend!’

Fred and Fruitcake announced their engagement back in March 2020, with Fred tweeting: “#fruitcake said yes’ followed by love hearts and engagement ring emojis.

The couple were due to get married in 2021, but have been forced to delay the marriage due to the pandemic.

They shared an emotional reunion after Fred was eliminated from the I’m A Celebrity jungle last year (Picture: ITV/Shutterstock)

On I’m A Celebrity last year, Fred revealed that they were planning on marrying in Jamaica in 2024.

He told his campmates, including the likes of Matt Hancock and Seann Walsh: ‘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 9 years ago. We’re getting married next year in Jamaica.’

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