Former X Factor contestant Katie Waissel has returned home and is in full recovery mode after a harrowing health battle that included severe bacterial pneumonia and a suspected blood clot on her lung. The 40-year-old singer, who finished seventh on the 2010 series of the ITV competition, shared the update on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, June 27, calling it 'one of the most terrifying experiences' of her life.
Hospitalization and Diagnosis
On Friday, June 19, Waissel revealed she was taken to hospital by ambulance and admitted as an emergency. At a London hospital, she was diagnosed with severe bacterial pneumonia. 'I won’t lie, it’s been one of the most frightening and excruciatingly painful experiences of my life. At one point I was apparently far closer to the edge than I realised,' she wrote on X.
Readmission and Blood Clot Scare
After being discharged, Waissel was readmitted less than two days later on June 25, admitting she was 'not doing so great.' She underwent scans for a suspected blood clot on her lung. 'I’m back in for more scans, tests and needles. I’m fairly certain I’ve run out of veins for people to poke at this point. That said, I couldn’t be more grateful for the care I’ve received. The team at @HCAHospitalsUK Wellington Hospital have been absolutely incredible and have looked after me every step of the way,' she posted.
Recovery and Reflection
By Saturday, June 27, Waissel confirmed she was home and recovering. She thanked fans for their support and reflected on her experience, noting that in the hospital, 'the hate in the world outside simply did not exist.' She added, 'People from all walks of life, religions, ethnicities, backgrounds and identities came together to help, to heal, to love, to cry and to support one another. In those moments, none of the things that so often divide people seemed to matter.'
Waissel, who also appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2016 and Vanderpump Rules, has been an outspoken critic of The X Factor's treatment of contestants. Her health scare has drawn widespread support from fans and former colleagues.
