Lucy Alexander, the much-loved former Homes Under the Hammer presenter, has opened up about her ongoing health battle after undergoing gallbladder surgery. The 56-year-old star took to Instagram on Tuesday to share a photo of herself in a hospital bed, hooked up to medical equipment, and reflect on her journey through the procedure and what comes next for her.
In her post, Lucy explained that she would be taking six weeks to recover from the surgery, which was necessary to treat gallstones and inflammation. “Just recovering from GALL BLADDER surgery. Any advice or tips, please DM. Thank you NHS for looking after me so well @kingstonhospitals. 6 weeks of no heavy lifting & resting,” she wrote, sharing her gratitude for the care she received.
Gallbladder surgery, which is typically performed to relieve the pain associated with gallstones or gallbladder inflammation, is not a simple procedure. It can take time to recover, as Lucy’s post reveals, with the star warning her followers that she will be unable to engage in any physical activity for six weeks, and must focus on rest during this time.
Lucy’s candid update comes after a period of professional and personal change. In 2024, she made her return to television when she joined Channel 4’s A Place in the Sun as a permanent host after previously making an appearance as a guest presenter. Despite initially considering turning down the job due to being perimenopausal, Lucy pushed through her doubts and has since embraced her new role with confidence.
In an interview with The Daily Mail, Lucy reflected on how her career is experiencing a “second wind” in her 50s. She spoke about how presenting A Place in the Sun is a perfect fit for her lifestyle now that her children have grown. Lucy said she used to be consumed with balancing work and motherhood but now has the freedom to pursue her career without worrying about her children at home.
Lucy shares two children with her ex-husband, former Premier League footballer Stewart Castledine. Their daughter, Kitty, 21, was left paralyzed after contracting Transverse Myelitis 14 years ago, a devastating condition that has shaped Lucy’s approach to both life and motherhood. Her son, Leo, is now 18.
For Lucy, this new chapter in her life feels like an opportunity to do what she loves most — presenting — while also maintaining a healthy work-life balance. “I feel like my career is having a second wind in my 50s,” Lucy shared. “Presenting A Place in the Sun is the most perfect job at a perfect time in my life. I spend most evenings Googling holidays and houses anyway, and now my children are grown up, I can go away without worrying about them!”
Her journey has not been without challenges. Lucy admitted that presenting on television while getting older comes with its own set of difficulties. “Getting older in front of the camera is hard. I don’t look like I did in my 40s but I made a decision that I wasn’t going to let that hold me back. I’ve had to work hard on my confidence, but I feel good in my 50s. It’s not always easy for women my age, but the older we get, the more life experience we have, and we still have a lot to give.”
Despite her health struggles, Lucy remains optimistic and determined to continue her career. She explained that, although there are times when things get tough, she has learned to embrace the process. “I’m not hanging up my television presenting boots yet,” she added with a laugh.
From her role on Homes Under the Hammer to her recent success on A Place in the Sun, Lucy Alexander’s career continues to thrive, and her journey through health challenges only adds to her strength and determination to keep going. Her openness with her followers, especially through tough times, continues to inspire her many fans.
With her surgery behind her, Lucy is now focusing on her recovery and looking forward to the future, both personally and professionally. “I feel like I’ve got so much more to give,” she concluded.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/
