Tulisa Contostavlos was seen in high spirits on Wednesday, making her first public appearance after suffering short-term paralysis during a Bell's palsy attack. The 37-year-old N-Dubz star was diagnosed with the neurological disorder in 2020, which causes facial weakness or paralysis when the facial nerve is damaged.
She flashed a smile while spending time with friend and singer Michelle McKenna in Alderley Edge, Cheshire. Tulisa wore a figure-hugging grey ribbed jumpsuit, layered with a white cord, and paired it with matching Nike trainers. She kept a low profile with a navy baseball cap and sunglasses, her dark hair loose, as she chatted with McKenna.
Health Update and Challenges
Earlier this month, Tulisa revealed she had suffered a Bell's palsy attack and minor short-term paralysis. In a candid Instagram post, she detailed recent struggles including nicotine withdrawal after quitting smoking, a cancelled egg retrieval due to low count, and surgery to remove cysts. She also shared the devastating news that her friend Michelle was diagnosed with aggressive cancer.
Tulisa wrote: 'This week/month had challenges: Nicotine Withdrawals: HELLISH, but I’m now 2 months cig free. Hormonal Roller Coaster: Cancelled my recent egg retrieval due to low count. Surgery Success: Last 3 cysts removed.' She explained that stress from her friend's diagnosis led to vomiting, which triggered the Bell's palsy attack. 'Left my steroids in Manny but got some within 24hrs, so minor paralysis will last a week or so,' she added.
Past Health Struggles
After her first Bell's palsy attack at age 24, Tulisa used fillers to even her appearance, leading to a cycle of inflammation and swelling. In 2022, during N-Dubz's reunion, her face was at its worst. An ultrasound revealed 'three chronically infected cysts' in her cheek, which she believes contributed to long-term issues like sarcoidosis and immune disorders. She now only uses filler in her lips.
Tulisa remains positive, stating: 'Life isn’t constant happiness, it’s a series of ups & downs that define being ALIVE.'
