Noel Fielding Returns to Television Amid Health Concerns
The beloved star of the Great British Bake Off, Noel Fielding, continues to captivate audiences as he returns to screens for the new celebrity series of the show. Set to air on Channel 4, the series raises questions as it follows the presenter, whose recent health scares have affected his career opportunities.
At 51, Fielding left the Apple TV+ series The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin unexpectedly, with reports indicating the show faced cancellation due to health issues experienced by the comedian and actor during the holiday season. Although Fielding has not commented on these health concerns, his partner, Lliana Bird, has shed light on her own health struggles, which may compound the worries surrounding their family.
Bird, 42, has been open about her battle with an autoimmune condition, discussing her symptoms during her appearance on Giovanna Fletcher's Happy Mum, Happy Baby podcast. "I had a bit of a wild ride before I had my first daughter, Dali... I was doing the charity, the radio on the weekends and the book and I was just working all hours basically," Bird explained. She vividly recounted waking up covered in hives, attributing it to stress until her health deteriorated significantly.
"I didn't have days off and then I got really sick... I started waking up in the morning covered in hives," she recalled. The symptoms escalated until one fateful morning her face swelled dramatically. "My lips were huge, my eyes were huge. I just looked completely different," Bird described her distress.
After consulting various doctors, Bird was diagnosed with her autoimmune condition. Their medical advice proved stark: "The doctors just said to me 'You've got to reduce the stress in your life, you're never going to get pregnant... it's never going to happen, your body is in distress,'" she shared. This diagnosis marked the turning point where Bird began focusing on her well-being through healthy eating, meditation, and balancing work.
The couple, who fell in love over their shared passion for creativity and performance, welcomed their first daughter, Dali, in 2018, naming her after the surrealist artist Salvador Dali, whom Fielding admires greatly. The family's joy continued to grow with the arrival of their second daughter, Iggy, born in August 2020, with her name possibly inspired by the legendary musician Iggy Pop.
Fielding's caring approach to fatherhood is also well regarded. Bird gushed about his parenting style on the podcast, stating, "My partner's such a fun time dad. He's magical and he makes even the silliest moments, even breakfast, he makes it such a moment." She acknowledged their roles at home, indicating they take turns between work and family commitments, highlighting the balance they maintain.
While Fielding shines on the Great British Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer, airing tonight at 7:40 PM, concerns for his health linger, especially as Bird continues to manage her own condition, prompting fans to rally around the couple.
Meanwhile, across the television spectrum, Noel Fitzpatrick, widely known as the Supervet, has drawn attention for his candid statements about the unexpected requests he receives from fans. The 57-year-old veterinarian stated people often approach him, asking for surgical operations after being awed by his veterinary work. Fitzpatrick is quick to clarify, though, the legalities surrounding his practice. "If I did, I’d lose my licence," he said, emphasizing the impossibility of performing surgery on humans.
Fitzpatrick detailed his extensive hands-on experience, highlighting the gravity of his profession, mentioning recent surgeries on animals, including brain and spinal operations, and even correcting fractures. He humorously remarked on his day's workload, noting, "By the end, everything ached" from long days of surgery.
His insights extend beyond surgery, touching on his observations about animals and their behavior. "Animals like watching tennis on TV," he explained, noting pets often prefer the soothing nature of certain music genres. "Dogs like jazz or opera, but not heavy metal," he observed, showcasing his whimsical approach to animal care.
Fitzpatrick, who runs two specialized veterinary hospitals and several biotech companies, isn't just focused on animals but also envisions the future of communication between humans and pets. He confidently predicts, "I think in the next couple of decades we’ll be able to translate the language of dolphins, elephants, and even down to the humble bee," hinting at the advances science may soon bring.
Two personalities, Noel Fielding and Noel Fitzpatrick, exhibit the joy and challenges of life both on and off the screen. While one embraces his return to the limelight amid health concerns, the other reflects on the curiosity surrounding animal care and communication. Their individual stories inspire and entertain, connecting deeply with their audiences.
With new episodes airing and health journeys being shared, fans are eager to follow both their journeys as the great British entertainment continues to evolve, rooted deeply within both comedic and veterinary excellence.