Former Hollyoaks star Ruby O'Donnell, best known for playing Peri Lomax on the Channel 4 soap, has bravely shared details about her life-altering health diagnosis that ultimately led to her stepping away from the spotlight.
The Diagnosis That Changed Everything
In a candid revelation, the 23-year-old actress disclosed she has been diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease, an autoimmune condition that affects the thyroid gland. The diagnosis came after years of unexplained symptoms that significantly impacted both her personal life and professional career.
"It's been quite the journey," O'Donnell explained. "Living with an invisible illness means people don't always understand what you're going through behind the scenes."
Stepping Away from Hollyoaks
The talented actress made the difficult decision to leave her role as Peri Lomax after eight years on the popular soap. While fans were disappointed to see her character written out, O'Donnell emphasizes that prioritizing her health was non-negotiable.
"Acting demands so much physically and emotionally," she shared. "When your body is constantly fighting itself, you reach a point where you have to listen to what it's telling you."
Life Beyond the Camera
Since her departure from Hollyoaks, O'Donnell has been focusing on managing her condition and exploring new career paths. She's found particular success in the beauty industry, working as a lash technician while continuing to raise awareness about autoimmune conditions.
"I'm learning to balance my health with building a new career," O'Donnell revealed. "Some days are better than others, but I'm grateful for the support from my family, friends, and former colleagues."
A Message of Hope
Despite the challenges, the former soap star remains optimistic about her future. She hopes her story will inspire others facing similar health battles to advocate for themselves and make their wellbeing a priority.
"Your health truly is your wealth," O'Donnell concluded. "No role or job is worth sacrificing that. I'm taking things one day at a time and looking forward to whatever comes next."
