Bradley Walsh's Health Journey: Battling Multiple Conditions
National treasure and television legend Bradley Walsh has candidly revealed the significant health challenges he has faced throughout his career, including a "seriously bad" eye condition and heart-related concerns that have shaped his lifestyle choices.
The Blepharitis Battle
In 2017, Bradley Walsh opened up about his ongoing struggle with blepharitis, a condition that causes inflammation of the eyelids and has visibly affected his appearance. Speaking on This Morning, the presenter explained how this condition leaves his eyes looking swollen and red, creating a puffy effect on his face.
"People don't realise I have seriously bad blepharitis," Walsh revealed. "I have to take one pill a day for it or I really struggle. I am going to need my eyes operated on at some point to sort it out."
The 65-year-old television personality outlined how blepharitis leads to swollen, red, and itch-prone eyelids, often accompanied by flaky or crusty eyelashes. In severe cases, individuals may find their eyelids completely stuck together upon waking. Walsh noted that many people have commented on his appearance without understanding the medical condition behind it, though medication helps manage the symptoms effectively.
Heart Disease Fears and Family History
Bradley Walsh's health concerns extend beyond his eye condition to more serious cardiovascular worries. In 2020, the presenter decided to overhaul his lifestyle following a heart disease scare that was particularly poignant given his family history.
Walsh's father, Daniel, died from heart failure at age 59, just two weeks after Bradley's career-launching performance at the Royal Variety Show. This tragic loss left a lasting impact on the television star, who spoke openly about this connection in an interview with The Sun on Sunday.
"I had a hang-up because my father died at the age of 59," Walsh confessed. "I had it in the back of my mind that I just had to get past my dad's age. So turning 60 was a bit of a milestone."
Cholesterol Concerns and Lifestyle Changes
Adding to his health challenges, Bradley Walsh has also been living with high cholesterol, a condition he inherited from his mother. Medical professionals warned him about the serious risks associated with this "silent killer," prompting significant lifestyle adjustments.
"I was a time bomb," Walsh admitted regarding his cholesterol levels. "I was quite lucky in regards to the calcium test but my doctor said I produce too much cholesterol."
Motivated by these multiple health concerns, the popular presenter of The Chase, Blankety Blank, and the revived Gladiators series took decisive action. He began training regularly, changed his eating habits, and eventually lost 10lbs as part of his health transformation.
Ongoing Fitness Journey
Even with these improvements, Bradley Walsh continues to focus on his health and fitness. In a recent interview with Heat magazine, the co-host of BBC's Gladiators alongside his son Barney revealed his current goals.
"I want to get slimmer and fitter," Walsh stated. "As you get older, it's much harder, but I really want to get fitter."
The television personality has been seeking advice from the Gladiators athletes themselves, who have provided dietary and training recommendations. Walsh has also hired a personal trainer and committed to proper nutrition as part of his ongoing health maintenance strategy.
Despite enjoying generally good health throughout most of his life, Bradley Walsh's openness about these medical challenges provides insight into the realities faced by public figures behind their television personas. His journey from diagnosis to proactive management serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing health concerns promptly and comprehensively.
