Michelle Ackerley, a presenter on the BBC’s Morning Live, said she was rushed to hospital this month with labyrinthitis and has taken leave from the show as she recovers and prepares for the birth of her first child.
In an Instagram post shared with followers, Ackerley said she spent four days in hospital after feeling unwell following a broadcast and has since been discharged. "Well it’s been quite the rollercoaster of a few days this end," she wrote, adding that she was "resting up and nesting up at home now." She praised midwives at St Mary’s Hospital in Manchester for their care and support while she was pregnant and ill.
Ackerley, 41, returned to Morning Live after the summer break earlier this month but was last seen in the studio on Monday, Sept. 8, alongside co-presenter Rav Wilding. In her post she confirmed she will begin her maternity leave from the programme and expects to return to Morning Live in the new year with her newborn.
Labyrinthitis is an inner-ear condition that can affect balance; common symptoms include dizziness, nausea and temporary hearing changes. Ackerley said the diagnosis was not ideal while pregnant and that medical staff helped manage her anxieties during the episode.
The presenter announced her pregnancy in May and has said she is expecting a daughter in October. She and her husband, Benjamin Ryan, were married in 2024. In previous interviews she described the pregnancy as a "miracle" and has spoken publicly about her past experiences with endometriosis and infertility, noting the importance of sharing her journey to support other women facing similar health challenges.
Fans and colleagues left messages of encouragement on Ackerley’s social media following her update. The BBC production team has not issued a separate statement about her absence; Morning Live continues its scheduled programming with its regular presenting roster.
Ackerley’s post provided the timeline of events and her recovery plans: she returned to the programme earlier in September, was taken to hospital for several days with labyrinthitis, has been discharged and will spend the coming months on maternity leave before planning a return to the show in the new year.