Charlene White details health battle which left her unable to open her eyes
Charlene White has opened up about the long-term impact an allergic reaction has had on her appearance.
The Loose Women presenter, 43, took to social media on Monday to share some before-and-after pictures with her fans, highlighting how her makeup artist is covering some marks around her eyes before appearing on TV as she waits to see a medical specialist regarding the reaction.
"Before the “ewww what’s wrong with her eyes!!” messages start flooding my inbox after @loosewomen , I’ve had an allergic reaction to something (and have had for months now) but it’s pretty bad this morning. Could barely open my eyes at 3am," Charlene wrote as she captioned the snaps on Instagram ahead of appearing on the ITV show today.
She continued: "But huge thank-you to Loose make-up’s @francescajordan for doing a stellar camouflage job and covering it up. And yes I know putting make-up on won’t help the situation, but it was too late to not come into work. Such is life. Anyway, swipe to see what Fran’s magic hands achieved. Very grateful. (and yes, I’m booked in with a specialist this week… finally!)"
Charlene's post concerned some of her fans, with one Instagram user commenting: "Your resilience to still go into work is commendable but please take the time off and rest your eyes." Another added: "Oh you poor love. I hope your specialist has you back to your glowing self soon xx."
Adam Thomas says devastating Waterloo Road plot helped him grieve for late dadFormer Sugababe Heidi Range told the journalist: "Oh Charlene, poor you. I hope it’s not painful and that you get to the bottom of it soon." Tanya Moodie shared with Charlene: "Poor woman! I had the same once when I reacted to a latex makeup sponge. Had no idea I had an allergy to latex. My whole face swelled and was covered in an angry rash, in the middle of filming! So I completely empathise. I hope your specialist can identify the culprit, and I hope you can get some rest. Hard with little ones plus work, I know."
Charlene's health update follows the broadcaster weighing in on the future of Loose Women following a string of stars quitting over a row regarding new contracts. Despite major personalities such as Lady Penny Lancaster, Ayda Field, and Carol McGiffin leaving the show in recent times, Charlene maintains optimism for its future.
Persistent whispers of tension between panelists have been circulating, most notably involving Nadia Sawalha and Coleen Nolan. However, Charlene defended the show amid these rumours. Speaking to Women's Own, she said: "I've been there three years now, and I've loved it." She also expressed excitement at welcoming new panelists from Love Island, Olivia Attwood and model Christine McGuinness.
Charlene is also thrilled that her new friend, Coronation Street actress Sue Cleaver, has joined the rotating panel of Loose Women. The two became close when they both appeared on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! in 2022. Charlene even takes credit for bringing Sue, who's 60, into the Loose Women team. She shared: "When we came out of the jungle a year ago, I said to Sue, 'I think you will fly if you join our Loose Women panel,' and look at her now. She's on tomorrow as a panellist and she fills in every now and then, which is incredible."