Escape to the Country presenter Nicki Chapman has received an outpouring of support after sharing an update from her hospital bed. The BBC star, 59, posted a picture of herself wearing a hospital gown, propped up on pillows with a blanket across her body, after undergoing a fourth surgery for her mobility issues.
In the image, her foot was encased in a black medical boot. A second photo showed her using a walking stick as she walked down a road in London, still wearing the boot.
Recovery Update and Fan Support
Chapman wrote: “Every little step. Slowly getting there and managed to walk to the end of the road. Result! Note snazzy stick mainly to keep people away from my foot!”
She added: “Fourth op over the years – never gonna make Strictly Come Dancing nor run a marathon but grateful for each tweak keeping me mobile and pain-free. Thanks for your lovely get well messages.”
Fans and friends flooded the comments with messages of support. Her co-star Helen Skelton wrote: “Sending love gorgeous one!” Adele Roberts commented: “Get well soon lovely!” while Rachel De Thame said: “Toes out in late October not ideal. Make use of that stick if anyone comes close!! Sending love.”
Long History of Ankle Problems
Davina McCall wrote: “Yayyy,” and DIY SOS star Nick Knowles said: “Huge but gentle hugs to you from me and Katie.”
Chapman has had problems with her ankle since the age of 15, when she was diagnosed with ankle spurs. She explained: “I started getting pains that felt like I’d twisted it – I couldn’t work out what I’d done.
“It was so sore I went to my doctor and was referred to a consultant who diagnosed ankle spurs. Bone spurs are tiny pointed outgrowths of bone which occur where the normal bone keeps growing.
“They were causing a restriction within my ankle, which became inflamed and excruciatingly painful.
“I had an operation to remove them, and remember my consultant warning me against pursuing any career involving standing up – otherwise I’d have serious problems by the time I was 30.
“I’d always wanted to be a theatrical make-up artist, which involves lots of standing, so my career dreams were shattered. But I followed his advice because looking after my wellbeing was paramount.”
Previous Surgeries and Health Challenges
She underwent a second surgery 20 years later, and a third in 2015. Chapman was also diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2019, after suffering blurred vision and slurred speech. The non-malignant tumour was removed via surgery, which she called the “most shocking and frightening” experience of her life.
