Miranda Hart has revealed her long-standing battle with Lyme disease after a 30-year struggle to obtain a diagnosis.
The 51-year-old actress and comedian, best known for her self-titled BBC sitcom, opened up about her health challenges in her forthcoming memoir, I Haven’t Been Entirely Honest With You, which is released today.
Hart disclosed that she received the official diagnosis during lockdown, believing she contracted the bacterial infection at the age of 14 whilst in Virginia.
The comedian described experiencing “unnerving neurological symptoms” and debilitating fatigue, which worsened as she entered her forties, with her book shedding light on her mysterious absence from the public eye in recent years.
Hart’s struggle with chronic fatigue has been a significant part of her journey, something which she opened up about on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme and said: “Unless you’ve had fatigue [like that], you don’t understand what literally not getting off the floor is.”
The comedian described being bedbound and housebound, sometimes unable to perform simple tasks like picking up a glass of water and becoming frustrated with being misunderstood, particularly in medical situations.
She added: “All anyone wants is to be heard, accepted, loved and seen… and when you’re not – particularly in a medical situation – it’s the worst.”
These challenges led Hart to research wellness strategies, resulting in what she calls her “10 keys” to living well, which she credits with helping her find joy and fulfilment despite her suffering.
Alongside her health issues, Hart recently shared the news that she secretly tied the knot at the age of 51, and told The One Show hosts Alex Scott and Alex Jones: “I’m married, I got married at 51 and it’s just so lovely!”
The comedian met her mystery husband at 49, describing him as her “best friend” and source of immense joy.
Hart expressed hope that her story would inspire others and said: “The fact that I met someone during a pandemic, during chronic illness, when I couldn’t get out of bed or out of the house…
“I really, really wanted to meet someone, I didn’t want to do life on my own anymore.”
She kept details of their meeting under wraps, teasing that it’s “a little undercurrent” in her book – leaving her return to public life being met with major enthusiasm from fans and colleagues.
“It’s nice to be back on TV and I feel very excited because once you’ve been in bed and housebound with a chronic illness that takes a long time to be diagnosed, you miss life so I’m thrilled to be here,” Hart shared.
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She emphasised the power of hope when going through a tough time, encouraging: “Whatever situation you are in, there is always hope. There is always hope that things really do change.”
Hart also hinted at a return to her comedic roots, saying, “I’m really keen to get back to some silliness now, I miss the studio floor, I miss the laughter.”
