Former BBC Apprentice contestant Rochelle Anthony has been rushed to hospital after suffering a suspected stroke, leaving her unable to use her left arm and leg. The 2023 finalist shared a photo from her A&E bed on Instagram on Thursday, revealing she was undergoing tests after suddenly losing function down one side of her body.
Health Emergency and Social Media Update
In her Instagram post, Anthony wrote: "Dolls, I am in A&E with a suspected stroke." She apologised to clients whose appointments would need to be rescheduled while she focuses on recovery. "I am so sorry for any clients I need to reschedule. Please bear with me," she added.
Describing her symptoms, she said: "Stress and trauma are crazy triggers for serious conditions. I have no use of my left leg and left arm." She concluded by informing followers she would take a break from social media while receiving care, urging anyone needing contact to reach her salon instead.
Medical Background and Previous Health Scare
According to the NHS, a stroke is a medical emergency caused by interrupted blood flow to the brain. Typical symptoms include sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, facial drooping, speech difficulties, and confusion. Immediate emergency assistance is advised.
This health emergency follows Anthony's previous medical ordeal in 2024, when she suffered weeks of excruciating pain before doctors discovered two gallstones trapped in her bile duct. The stones were too large to pass naturally and required specialist intervention, despite her having already undergone gallbladder removal surgery and extraction of 19 gallstones the previous year.
She encouraged others to seek medical help if something feels wrong, noting she had made multiple hospital visits before receiving a diagnosis.
Career and Rise to Fame
Rochelle Anthony rose to prominence after reaching the final of The Apprentice in 2023, pitching her hair salon business to Lord Sugar. Although he ultimately backed winner Marnie Swindells' boxing gym, Anthony's enterprise thrived post-show. Clients travelled from across the UK to her Milton Keynes salon, The Dolls House.
