An emotional interaction between Miranda Hart and Selena Gomez on The Graham Norton Show reduced viewers to tears on Friday night (11 October). The moment, which saw Gomez wiping away tears after Hart revealed how the singer’s documentary had inspired her to speak openly about her own medical crisis, has been widely shared online.

British comedian Hart, 51, opened up about her struggles with lyme disease in a new autobiography I Haven’t Been Entirely Honest With You. Appearing on Graham Norton’s BBC talk show, she credited fellow guest Gomez with inspiring her to speak openly about her diagnosis. Gomez, the 32-year-old star of Only Murders in the Building, starred in a 2022 Apple TV+ documentary called My Mind & Me, which tracked her life and wellbeing after being diagnosed with lupus and bipolar disorder.

When both stars shared the sofa on The Graham Norton Show, Hart began thanking Gomez for giving her the “courage” to write about her own medical crisis. “I watched Selena’s documentary and it gave me the courage to be vulnerable and share my feelings about my disease,” she said. “It kept me writing.” Gomez can be seen tearing up at the admission – and so, too, did viewers at home.

Fans of The Graham Norton Show shared heartfelt reactions to the moment on X/Twitter. “This is so touching,” one wrote. “A Miranda Hart and Selena Gomez interaction in 2024 is still so surreal to me.” “Don’t think I’ve ever cried at the graham norton show before,” remarked another. “Selena and Miranda are two of my biggest inspirations and being chronically ill myself this moment was just everything to me.” “Is anyone else tearing up watching Selena tear up?” wrote the official Graham Norton Show account, prompting several other people to answer in the affirmative.

Hart’s memoir covers her retreat from the spotlight in recent years. In the book, she writes that she felt like an “outsider” because of her health issues and anxiety attacks. “I was debilitated but also lucky in so many ways – I feared being perceived as complaining,” she wrote. “I realise now why so many experts and therapists became so after their own recoveries – I think in particular of the help I got from the Optimum Health Clinic, and why they, among others, call it ‘chronic invisible illness’. The invisibility is part of the problem.”

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that can cause severe physical and mental problems if allowed to progress. Humans most often catch lyme disease via tick bites, if a tick has previously bitten an infected animal.

Hart's comments come after Gomez spoke candidly about her own mental health struggles in her 2022 Apple TV+ documentary “Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me.” The film documents Gomez’s journey to mental wellness, which she says began after her lupus diagnosis in 2015. The film also covers Gomez’s subsequent bipolar disorder diagnosis, which she announced publicly in 2020.

Gomez’s documentary was widely praised for its honesty and vulnerability, and it seems that it has inspired other celebrities to speak out about their own struggles. Hart is just one of many celebrities who have been diagnosed with Lyme disease, and her story is a reminder that chronic illness can affect anyone. Gomez’s willingness to share her own story has helped to break down the stigma surrounding mental health, and it is clear that her courage has inspired others to do the same.

Hart's admission of her Lyme disease diagnosis has been met with an outpouring of support from fans and fellow celebrities alike. Many have praised her for her honesty and vulnerability, and for speaking out about a condition that can be so difficult to live with.

It is hoped that Hart’s story will help to raise awareness of Lyme disease and its impact on those who suffer from it. It is also a reminder that it is okay to seek help and to speak out about our struggles. We are not alone.

What is Lyme disease?

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that is spread through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick. Early symptoms of Lyme disease can include a rash, fever, chills, headache, muscle and joint pain, and fatigue. If left untreated, Lyme disease can cause serious complications, including arthritis, heart problems, and neurological disorders.

How can I protect myself from Lyme disease?

The best way to protect yourself from Lyme disease is to avoid tick bites. Here are some tips for preventing tick bites:

• Wear light-colored clothing so that you can easily spot ticks.

• Tuck your pants into your socks and wear a hat.

• Avoid walking through tall grass or wooded areas.

• Use insect repellent that contains DEET.

• Check yourself for ticks after spending time outdoors.

What should I do if I get a tick bite?

If you get a tick bite, remove the tick as soon as possible. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull it straight out. Do not twist or jerk the tick. After removing the tick, wash the bite area with soap and water. If you develop any symptoms of Lyme disease, see a doctor right away.

The power of vulnerability

Hart's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of vulnerability. By sharing her story, she is not only helping to raise awareness of Lyme disease, but she is also encouraging others to speak out about their own struggles. In a world that often values strength and perfection, it is important to remember that it is okay to be vulnerable. In fact, it is often through our vulnerabilities that we connect with others and find strength in shared experiences.

A new chapter

Hart's openness about her Lyme disease diagnosis is a sign that she is ready to move forward with her life. She is no longer afraid to be seen for who she truly is, and she is ready to embrace all that life has to offer. Her story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of vulnerability to connect us to others.