Melanie Sykes has shared an update on her hair loss, revealing that her alopecia has worsened. The 55-year-old presenter, who left mainstream broadcasting in 2021, first disclosed her condition earlier this year, attributing it to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) caused by the television industry.
Bald Spot Photo and Health Issues
In a recent Instagram post, Sykes posted a photograph showing a bald spot on her head. She wrote: 'This is a pic of me I took last week whilst in London investigating some health issues. I am experiencing alopecia and heart issues due to all that has happened over the last few months. PTSD, shock, mistreatment and malpractice.' The post was liked by more than 1,500 people, though comments were disabled.
Worsening Hair Loss
Since then, Sykes has lost more hair. A video she shared reveals considerable bald patches on both sides of her head. In April 2025, she first opened up about her hair loss, admitting she was 'two thirds bald' just before Christmas. She developed an irregular heartbeat and rapid hair loss when the press began 'harassing' her after allegations surfaced against TV chef Gino D’Acampo, with whom she co-hosted the ITV series Let’s Do Lunch with Gino and Mel from 2011 to 2014.
'I went into the New Year with so much energy. I’ve slowed things down because I got a heart problem, which I developed during the whole Gino D’Acampo bull**** that happened in the news,' Sykes said in a video. 'And suddenly, the stress levels in my life shot up because I left that industry years ago but it won’t leave me alone.' She added: 'It’s all been triggered – and everybody’s agreed with this – by my PTSD from the industry.'
Learning to Live with Alopecia
A year later, Sykes posted again about her hair loss, saying she is 'learning to live' with it. In March, she wrote on Instagram: 'Hey strumps, my crown is pretty much what's left of my hair now and how healthy it is. I do get cold however hence my beanie and various headwear but I'm learning to live with 'loss' and counting my blessings instead.'
The radio presenter admitted she sometimes struggles to recognise her own gratitude but takes things day by day. She added: 'It's not always easy to be grateful all of the time but it is the key to happiness and takes daily/moment to moment practice. Practice love.'
