In a deeply personal and emotional moment on Tuesday's episode of ITV's Loose Women, panellist Kéllé Bryan shared a significant health update regarding her nearly three-decade battle with the autoimmune disease Lupus. The 50-year-old former Eternal singer and Hollyoaks actress revealed that, for the first time in 28 years, her medical team has informed her she does not require treatment this year, a development she described as leaving her feeling "uncomfortable" due to its unfamiliarity.
A Lifelong Struggle with a Serious Condition
Kéllé Bryan was diagnosed with Lupus almost thirty years ago, a condition that has profoundly impacted her life and health. The disease led to severe complications, including cerebral lupus, a stroke, and significant memory loss. As a dedicated Patron of the Lupus Trust, Bryan has been a vocal advocate, tirelessly campaigning to raise awareness about the often-misunderstood illness.
Her journey has been marked by considerable hardship. Following a relapse, she suffered a stroke that robbed her of the ability to speak and move, necessitating extensive rehabilitation to relearn basic motor skills. Over the years, her treatment regimen has included chemotherapy, pulse therapy, and rigorous rehabilitation programmes, often to manage debilitating symptoms or combat serious infections like pneumonia.
An Unexpected Phone Call Brings Hopeful News
The pivotal moment came recently with a phone call from her hospital. Bryan explained to her co-hosts Ruth Langsford, Kelly Brook, and Janet Street-Porter that she was at the gym when she received the call regarding her latest blood test results, which are routinely taken to assess eligibility for her annual treatment.
"She calls me up. I'm in the gym, and she goes, 'oh, um, just need to let you know that your blood test results are such that the Lupus activity is so low that treating you would do you more harm than good'," Bryan recounted. Initially struggling to hear clearly in the noisy environment, she insisted on a proper conversation, stunned by the implication of the message.
"You know, 28 years of treatment to be told, actually, you don't need any. So I said 'you're going to need to break this down for me'," she continued. The medical professional elaborated, explaining that after a review by the consultant and pharmacist, it was determined Bryan was "doing really, really well" and would not require treatment this year.
Processing a Profound and Unsettling Shift
While acknowledging the news as "incredible," Bryan confessed it left her with complex emotions. She emphasised that her advocacy work for Lupus patients worldwide would continue unabated. The medical team indicated she is heading towards remission, though not there yet, which represents a monumental shift after nearly three decades of managing the disease.
"I mean, I called her back because I was that worried. I was like, 'it's great and everything, but are you sure?'. because it feels uncomfortable, and that's gonna sound really weird to most people but I'm used to it. It's been my life for 28 years," Bryan admitted, highlighting the psychological adjustment required.
She elaborated on the strange sense of displacement, noting that the annual treatment had become a normalised part of her routine to "live a normal life." The prospect of not needing it has created a feeling of being "not quite there yet" in terms of fully accepting this new chapter.
Host Ruth Langsford responded with warmth, stating, "I think that's fantastic news for you, Kéllé and thanks for sharing it with us. It's nice to have some good news." Loose Women continues to air weekdays on ITV1 and ITVX at 12.30pm, providing a platform for such candid and impactful discussions.
