Comedian Miranda Hart has revealed her struggle with chronic fatigue after being diagnosed with Lyme disease. In her new book, I Haven’t Been Entirely Honest With You, Hart provides a frank account of the past 10 years, including the challenges posed by ill health. The star's autobiography also offers a rare insight into Hart's private life, with the revelation she has married at the age of 51.
Hart, who is best known for her eponymous BBC show Miranda, told BBC's The One Show it had been a "tough few years" but she was "thrilled" by her marriage, and she was "really keen to get back to some silliness".
The Impact of Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection which can spread to humans via a tick bite. The disease can be easily treated if detected and diagnosed early, but for a long time, the actor didn't know what was causing her to feel unwell. It often starts with a circular rash and can lead to flu-like symptoms, nerve pain and sometimes a droop (facial palsy) on one, or both, sides of the face. For most people, symptoms are short-term and can be alleviated by a course of antibiotics, but a minority go on to suffer more long-term symptoms, including chronic tiredness and unexplained neurological issues.
Hart described the experience as "fatigue-based chronic illness that takes a long time to be diagnosed", a condition she knows many people will relate to. She candidly admitted that being confined to her home for such a long period was incredibly hard. The star says she found it incredibly hard being confined to her home for such a long period. Part of why she's written the book was to share her discovery of what helped her recovery, she said.
Finding Wellness Amidst Illness
Hart's journey to recovery was a personal one, driven by her own research and exploration of wellness practices. She acknowledges the limited support she received from doctors initially and her inability to access conventional wellness treatments like cold plunges or yoga retreats while bedridden. This led her to focus on universal truths, conducting extensive research to identify key principles for living well.
Hart has distilled her findings into "10 keys, which I call my treasures, to living well." These principles, she emphasizes, have genuinely helped her find joy, meaning, and fulfillment in a way she had never experienced before. This period of suffering, she believes, has allowed her to discover a deeper sense of self, something she never knew she needed.
A Love Story in the Midst of Challenges
Hart's book not only sheds light on her health struggles but also on her unexpected love story. The actor, who began her career performing at the Edinburgh Fringe in the early 2000s, remains best known for her portrayal of the unlucky-in-love and socially awkward Miranda from her self-titled TV sitcom which ran from 2009 until 2015. But, off-screen, Hart's love life does appear to have a happy ending: at the age of 51, she reveals, she got married.
Hart shared her excitement about meeting her husband, a best friend who brings her joy, during a time when she was battling chronic illness and facing significant personal challenges. This unexpected encounter, she says, is a testament to the enduring power of hope. The fact that she could meet somebody during such a difficult time is a reminder that things can change for the better, no matter the situation.
A Return to Silliness
Having taken time out to rest and recover, and with her new husband by her side, Hart suggested she finally felt well enough to start taking on new projects. She expressed her excitement about returning to the studio floor, missing the laughter and the creative energy of making comedy. She said she was "really keen to get back to some silliness now". After the show, Hart said she found her fans' delight at her news "really very touching".
Hart's story is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, hope and joy can be found. Her willingness to share her personal journey, from the challenges of chronic illness to the unexpected blessings of love and a new chapter in her career, offers a message of resilience and optimism that resonates with many.
A New Chapter
With her new book, I Haven’t Been Entirely Honest With You, Hart invites readers into her world, sharing both the challenges and triumphs of her life. The book is a testament to her resilience and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope and happiness can be found. Her return to the world of comedy is eagerly anticipated by her fans, who are ready to welcome her back with open arms and a hearty dose of laughter.
