Rowetta Satchell, the beloved singer known for her work with the Happy Mondays and on The X Factor, has shared a worrying health update with fans directly from her hospital bed.
The music star was admitted to hospital for a mystery illness, requiring surgery and powerful pain relief.
From the Ward: A Personal Update
Choosing to keep the specific details of her condition private, the singer nevertheless posted a reassuring picture of herself on the ward. In the image, she is seen wearing distinctive red Manchester United pyjamas.
She captioned the post: "Sorry for not replying to everyone’s texts, calls and messages. I’ve been transferred from Trafford to St Mary’s (who have been wonderful) this morning, so hopefully home tomorrow."
In a subsequent update, Rowetta shared a more detailed glimpse of her situation. Pictured in a hospital gown and dark glasses while attached to a drip, the performer wrote: "Big love and thanks to St Mary’s for stepping in last minute. Came out of surgery smiling. What a wonderful team. Back on the ward now, morphined up for the pain, but – all went well, home tomorrow and should be good to sing again next week."
A Storied Music Career
This health scare comes shortly after a significant career announcement. In December 2024, Rowetta revealed her sudden departure from the Happy Mondays after 34 years with the iconic Madchester band.
She first joined the group in 1990 and remained a constant presence as a guest artist through various breakups and reunions. When the band reformed in 2012, she performed alongside original members Shaun Ryder and Bez on their reunion tour.
Reflecting on her legacy in a past interview, Rowetta expressed pride in her unique position. "I'm really, really proud to be one of the only women in this Madchester scene," she said. "All the famous people from Manchester, a lot of them are male and white. So it's important to me to represent little girls from Manchester."
Her career also includes a notable stint on The X Factor in 2004, where she competed in the over-25s category. Her powerful performances earned her glowing reviews, and she finished in fourth place, becoming the last woman standing in the competition. Her mentor, Simon Cowell, famously described her as "Amazing, but barking b***** mad."
Looking Ahead
Despite the recent health setback, Rowetta's update strikes a positive and resilient tone. Her confirmation that she expects to "be good to sing again next week" will be a relief to her many fans.
Before her fame with the Happy Mondays, Rowetta was a fixture on the Manchester music scene and featured as a backing singer on Simply Red’s acclaimed 1991 album, Stars.
