Jordan Brook, the TOWIE star, has shared the deeply personal and challenging details of his battle with meningitis. The 31-year-old barber, who is expecting a baby with his girlfriend Sophie Kasaei, was left unable to walk and had scar tissue on his brain after being struck with what doctors called the “worst possible” case of viral meningitis, paired with encephalitis.
Jordan appeared on Good Morning Britain alongside Sophie to share his story, detailing the shocking symptoms and the fight for his life that followed. The pair sat down with hosts Ranvir Singh and Kate Garraway, discussing Jordan’s emotional journey, which saw him battling severe pain, a hospital stay, and the emotional toll it took on his family.
It all began on March 3rd, when Jordan felt perfectly fine and was excited about the arrival of their baby boy. But by March 6th, his health rapidly deteriorated. “I thought it was just another illness I usually get. Extreme fever, headache, that’s usually how I get sick,” Jordan recalled. “But this time, it escalated to a level I couldn’t ignore. I started projectile vomiting everywhere, and the pain was unbearable.”
Jordan’s symptoms didn’t immediately seem alarming to doctors. When paramedics arrived, they initially dismissed it as just a migraine. “They said I’d be fine,” Jordan explained. “But something inside me told me this wasn’t right. I just knew something was off.”
Despite his instincts, Jordan was sent home. Sophie, not convinced by the diagnosis, booked a GP appointment. When they arrived at the doctor’s office, Jordan was in so much pain that his dad had to accompany him. That’s when the doctor made the crucial decision: “You don’t need to be here, you need to be in hospital right now.”
This moment turned out to be the beginning of a terrifying hospital stay that would change Jordan’s life. Upon arriving at the hospital, Jordan underwent several tests, including CT scans and lumbar punctures. It was at this point that the severity of his condition became clear—he was diagnosed with viral meningitis and encephalitis. Both of these conditions caused severe inflammation in his brain.
In a candid moment on Good Morning Britain, Jordan shared the emotional struggles of being told that doctors couldn’t rule out brain cancer as a possible diagnosis. “They had to tell us every worst-case scenario. That’s when it hit me how serious this all was,” he confessed, his voice wavering with emotion.
During his four days in the hospital, the family was given the worst news imaginable, leaving them all in tears. Jordan’s illness had caused his brain to swell so rapidly that the doctors were visibly concerned about the possible outcomes. Sophie was told to stay home as doctors were focused on trying to save both Jordan’s life and protect their unborn child. “I can’t explain how hard it was for Sophie to hear those things. It was agonizing for her,” Jordan added.
Thankfully, it wasn’t brain cancer. But the physical damage had been done. Jordan now suffers from scar tissue on his brain and ongoing mobility issues, including difficulties walking. “I’ve got a bad right leg at the moment. I’m not in pain, but I can’t walk properly,” he shared. “The rehab will be a long road, but I’m just grateful to be alive and able to go home to Sophie.”
Sophie, who has been by his side throughout his entire recovery, posted a heartfelt message on Instagram when Jordan was finally discharged from the hospital, just in time for Easter. “These past weeks have been the hardest I’ve ever known. But you never stopped fighting, not just for yourself, but for us, for our little boy growing inside me,” she wrote, praising Jordan’s determination. “Having him home means everything. We’re whole again.”
Jordan also shared his gratitude for his family and friends who supported him during his hospitalization. He posted on social media, expressing his thanks to everyone who stood by him, including his parents, his doctors, and Sophie, who he credits with keeping him going. “You’re my superhero, Sophie. I love you unconditionally. I can’t wait to build our future together as a healthy family of three,” he wrote.
The reality star’s journey wasn’t just physical but mental as well. During his time in the hospital, he struggled with memory loss and the mental challenges that come with such a severe illness. Despite this, Jordan remains positive and determined to be the best father he can be for their unborn child.
“I’ve got 8 weeks until our baby boy comes, and I want to be fit for him,” Jordan said. “I’m not giving up now. I’m fighting for my family, and I won’t stop.”
Their journey to parenthood has been one of both joy and struggle. Sophie and Jordan revealed their pregnancy at Christmas after a two-year fertility battle. The couple experienced a chemical pregnancy before finding out they were expecting, which was a heartbreaking loss that only made their joy at this pregnancy even sweeter.
As the couple looks forward to the birth of their son, they are both overwhelmed by the love and support they’ve received from family, friends, and fans. Their story serves as a reminder of the strength and resilience that comes from facing life’s most difficult challenges, and the importance of holding onto hope, even in the darkest times.
