Tulisa reveals ‘minor’ but short-term paralysis after Bell’s palsy attack
By Casey Cooper-Fiske, Press Association Senior Entertainment Reporter
Former X Factor judge and N-Dubz singer Tulisa has revealed she is suffering from “minor paralysis” after a “Bell’s palsy attack”.
The 37-year-old said she had undergone surgery to remove three cysts causing her facial condition, but said the impact of the surgery and the medication involved had led to the condition flaring up and causing facial paralysis.
She also said that discovering a close friend had been diagnosed with cancer earlier this week had also contributed to her health issue.
In a post on Instagram, the former I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! contestant, whose full name is Tulisa Contostavlos, said: “The news after post-surgery effects/drugs led me to, and pressure from throwing up, caused a Bell’s Palsy attack.
“Left my steroids in Manny but got some within 24hrs, so minor paralysis will last a week or so.
“Nothing compared to what my Shelly is going through.
“Currently in bed recovering nicely from it all.
“Less sob story, more reminder we’re all human, going through challenges, even when it looks shiny from the outside.”
Tulisa also revealed she had given up smoking and spoke about her reproductive health, saying she had “cancelled my recent egg retrieval due to low count”, adding that it was “frustrating, but ok due to previous great success”.
She added: “Life isn’t constant happiness, it’s a series of ups & downs that define being alive. It’s up to you to choose your thoughts/perceptions.
“It’s your mind, not the experiences, others’ treatment of you or the past, don’t be consumed by the experiences, be the observer.”
The singer announced late last year that her pop rap group N-Dubz, who had hit songs including Number 1, I Need You and Girls, were due to tour again in 2027.
According to the NHS, Bell’s palsy is temporary weakness or lack of movement that usually affects one side of the face and can lead to sudden facial paralysis. Treatment with steroids can help and most people get better within six months.