BBC Morning Live presenter Michelle Ackerley was rushed to hospital shortly after coming off air and has been admitted for four days, prompting her to take medical leave. The 41-year-old, who is expecting a baby girl, has been absent from the programme since 8 September.
Ackerley revealed she was diagnosed with labyrinthitis, a painful inner ear infection that affects balance. Sharing a health update on Instagram, she posted a picture of her baby bump and wrote: 'Well it's been quite the rollercoaster of a few days this end. Had such a lovely day back at work with the awesome BBC Morning Live team last Monday. Then unfortunately ended up in hospital with labyrinthitis for the next 4 days.'
The presenter praised the midwives at St Mary's Hospital in Manchester for keeping her calm amid anxieties about being ill while pregnant. She assured fans that her pregnancy is unaffected and said she is now resting at home. Ackerley plans to return to Morning Live in the new year with her new baby.
Ackerley announced her pregnancy on Morning Live in May, after co-host Gethin Jones teased her news. She later shared her fertility struggles, having been diagnosed with endometriosis. She said she wanted to speak openly about her journey to connect with other women facing similar challenges.
