Melanie Sykes, the British television presenter best known for co-hosting Today with Des and Mel, has stepped away from the spotlight in recent years. Behind the scenes, a severe autoimmune condition, a diagnosis of autism and ADHD, and the lingering effects of what she describes as industry-related trauma have reshaped her life. She now speaks openly about hair loss, chronic inflammation, and the difficult path toward healing.
In 2024, Sykes revealed to the press that she is “two-thirds bald” due to an autoimmune disease that also causes heart issues and widespread inflammation. The 55-year-old has linked much of her physical decline to stress and PTSD stemming from her time in television. Her story is one of profound health challenges, personal reinvention, and a candid embrace of what she calls “Post-Traumatic Growth.”
This article draws on verified reporting from news outlets, Sykes’ own public statements, and her published memoir to provide a clear, fact-based update on her health, personal life, career shift, and financial status. Where information is not publicly confirmed, that is noted.
What is Melanie Sykes’ current health condition?
Autoimmune condition causing severe hair loss; described as “two-thirds bald”
Previously married to footballer John Sykes (divorced); no current partner publicly confirmed
Not publicly disclosed; shifted from mainstream TV to independent writing and advocacy
Writing, autism and ADHD advocacy, spiritual healing, and social media presence
Key insights
- Sykes has been open about her autoimmune condition, revealing in 2024 that she is “two-thirds bald” due to alopecia triggered by the illness.
- She transitioned from mainstream TV presenting to a wellness-focused lifestyle centered on writing and advocacy.
- In April 2024, she disclosed that she had been diagnosed with ADHD and autism.
- She published a memoir, Illuminated: Autism and All The Things I Left Unsaid, in 2023.
- She describes her mental state as experiencing “Post-Traumatic Growth” (PTG) alongside ongoing PTSD.
- Her heart issues, including an irregular heartbeat, are linked to PTSD from the TV industry and media harassment.
- She has not publicly confirmed a current partner or children.
Key facts at a glance
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Melanie Ann Sykes |
| Born | 1970 (age 55 in 2025) |
| Occupation | Former television and radio presenter, now author and advocate |
| Known For | Co-hosting Today with Des and Mel, voiceover work |
| Spouse | Previously married to John Sykes (divorced) |
| Children | Not publicly known |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
| @msmelaniesykes |
Sykes has not specified the exact name of her autoimmune condition in public statements. The hair loss she describes is consistent with alopecia, which can be triggered by autoimmune disorders. She also reports constant inflammation across her body and chronic pain, which she manages through meditation and a spiritual lifestyle, as reported by Women’s Health UK.
Who is Melanie Sykes married to? Does she have children?
Marital status and past relationships
Melanie Sykes was previously married to footballer John Sykes. The couple later divorced. According to current reports, she has not publicly confirmed a new husband or long-term partner in recent years. Her personal life, as reflected in her public statements, is now centered on her health journey, writing, and advocacy work.
Does she have children?
There are no publicly known children. Sykes has not mentioned having children in her recent interviews or in her memoir. Her focus, as she has stated publicly, is on her own healing and creative projects.
Relationship with Gino D’Acampo
Sykes and TV chef Gino D’Acampo co-hosted Today with Des and Mel and have a professional history. She has attributed some of the stress that contributed to her PTSD to media harassment during allegations involving D’Acampo. No personal relationship beyond being co-stars has been reported.
Sykes has chosen to keep much of her personal life private. While her marriage to John Sykes is a matter of public record, no verified information about a current partner or children exists in reputable sources. This article reflects only what is publicly confirmed.
What is Melanie Sykes doing now?
Life after television
Sykes stepped away from mainstream broadcasting in 2021, ending her long-running role as a television presenter. Since then, she has focused on writing, advocacy for autism and ADHD awareness, and spiritual healing. She enrolled in meditation teacher training, though she has stated she was too ill to complete the course.
Writing and advocacy
In 2023, she published her memoir Illuminated: Autism and All The Things I Left Unsaid, which details her late diagnosis of autism and ADHD and her journey toward self-understanding. She continues to share updates on her health and spiritual insights through her social media presence.
Instagram and public presence
Sykes maintains an active Instagram account under the handle @msmelaniesykes, where she posts about her art, daily life, and healing process. Her platform serves as a space for advocacy around mental health and autoimmune awareness.
2025 career plans
There is no official confirmation of specific 2025 career projects or a return to television. She has not announced any new broadcasting roles, and her current focus appears to remain on independent creative and advocacy work.
While Sykes continues to be active on social media and in advocacy, no major broadcast or publishing projects have been confirmed for 2025. Her public statements indicate she is prioritizing her health and spiritual practice over a return to mainstream media.
What is Melanie Sykes’ net worth?
Melanie Sykes has not publicly disclosed her exact net worth. Earlier estimates, prior to her departure from mainstream television in 2021, suggested she earned significant income from presenting roles and endorsements. However, no updated or verified figures are available in current sources. Her financial situation likely reflects her shift away from high-profile TV work toward independent writing, advocacy, and a more private lifestyle.
No reliable estimate of her current net worth has been published in reputable news outlets. Any figures circulating online remain speculative.
What is Melanie Sykes best known for?
Career highlights
Sykes first gained prominence as a model in the 1990s, most notably as the face of Boddingtons beer. She then moved into television, co-hosting the popular daytime show Today with Des and Mel alongside Des O’Connor and Melanie Sykes. She also worked as a radio presenter and voiceover artist. Her career spanned more than two decades before she stepped away from broadcasting in 2021.
How old is Melanie Sykes?
She was born in 1970, making her 55 years old as of 2025.
What is the timeline of Melanie Sykes’ career and health journey?
- 1970: Born in England.
- 1990s: Modeling career begins; becomes the face of Boddingtons.
- 2000s: Co-hosts Today with Des and Mel, becoming a household name.
- 2010s: Works in radio presenting and voiceover projects.
- 2021: Steps away from mainstream broadcasting.
- 2023: Publishes memoir Illuminated: Autism and All The Things I Left Unsaid.
- 2024: Reveals autoimmune condition, hair loss, ADHD and autism diagnosis, and heart issues in interviews with The Independent and other outlets.
- 2025: Continues to share health updates and spiritual insights on social media; no confirmed new projects.
What is confirmed and what remains unclear about Melanie Sykes?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| She is a former TV presenter, confirmed by Wikipedia and multiple news sources. | The exact name of her autoimmune condition has not been specified in primary sources. |
| She has an autoimmune condition causing hair loss, confirmed in an interview with The Independent. | Net worth figures vary widely and no official disclosure exists. |
| She was previously married to John Sykes (divorced). | Current marital status or any new relationship has not been recently clarified. |
| She was diagnosed with ADHD and autism in 2024. | Specific 2025 career plans have not been officially announced. |
What is the background to Melanie Sykes’ career shift?
Sykes’ move away from mainstream television in 2021 marked the end of a long public career. She has spoken about the toll that TV industry culture took on her mental and physical health. The stress of media harassment, particularly during allegations involving Gino D’Acampo, contributed to what she describes as PTSD. Her shift to writing, advocacy, and spiritual practice reflects a deliberate move toward a quieter, more healing-oriented lifestyle. Unlike some of her contemporaries who remained in broadcasting, Sykes has chosen to step back entirely, focusing on personal recovery and creative expression outside the public eye.
What has Melanie Sykes said about her health and life changes?
“I’m not well, as you know, I’ve been ill all year. I’ve got an autoimmune condition. I’m losing my hair. I keep having crazy inflammation all over and I’m working on healing.”
— Melanie Sykes, in an interview with The Independent, also reported by Women’s Health UK
“I’m two-thirds bald, really. Every time I say I’m bald I laugh, I don’t know why… Thank god I can laugh.”
— Melanie Sykes, as quoted by The Independent
“I’m in both camps [PTSD and Post-Traumatic Growth]… people can hold pain and progress together.”
— Melanie Sykes, speaking to Health and Me
Sykes remains a vocal advocate for mental health, autoimmune awareness, and spiritual healing, using her platform to encourage others to meditate and embrace positivity despite trauma, as noted by Health and Me and Women’s Health UK.
What is the key takeaway from Melanie Sykes’ journey?
Melanie Sykes’ story is one of significant personal reinvention in the face of serious health challenges. She has moved from a high-profile television career to a quieter life centered on writing, advocacy, and healing. Her openness about her autoimmune condition, her late diagnoses of autism and ADHD, and her experience of Post-Traumatic Growth offers a candid look at life after the spotlight. For a detailed overview of her health updates and personal journey, read more about Melanie Sykes health battle and autoimmune condition.
Frequently asked questions about Melanie Sykes
How old is Melanie Sykes?
She was born in 1970, making her 55 years old as of 2025.
What is Melanie Sykes’ Instagram handle?
Her Instagram is @msmelaniesykes.
What is Melanie Sykes’ relationship with Gino D’Acampo?
They co-hosted Today with Des and Mel and have a professional relationship. No personal relationship beyond being co-stars has been reported.
Is Melanie Sykes still married?
She was previously married to footballer John Sykes, but they are divorced. She has not publicly confirmed a current partner.
What autoimmune condition does Melanie Sykes have?
She has not named the specific condition publicly. She reports alopecia, chronic inflammation, and heart issues as symptoms.
What is Post-Traumatic Growth?
It is a positive psychological change following severe trauma. Sykes says she experiences both PTSD and PTG simultaneously.
What is the book ‘Illuminated’ about?
It is her memoir about being diagnosed with autism and ADHD later in life, and the personal revelations that followed.
Why did Melanie Sykes leave television?
She stepped away in 2021, citing the toll of TV industry culture and the stress that contributed to her PTSD and health decline.
Does Melanie Sykes have children?
No publicly known children have been reported in reputable sources.
What is Melanie Sykes’ net worth?
She has not publicly disclosed her net worth, and no verified figures are available in current sources.
Related stories
Grace Hollis is Film & Music Editor at StoryNative.uk, covering film releases, music news, soundtracks and awards season.