ITV's Bradley Walsh shares health struggle 'people think I'm making up'

Bradley Walsh is a hugely familiar face on TV with his career having gone from strength to strength in recent years. The 65-year-old will be back on our screens this evening for an instalment of The Chase Celebrity Special.

He has also recently appeared on Bradley and Barney Walsh: Breaking Dad, an ITV travel series that sees Bradley joined by son Barney. In one episode, they discovered Tokyo's vibrant attractions and, according to Bradley, some of Japan's most hair-raising rope bridges.

During a recent appearance on Chris Evans' Virgin Radio Breakfast Show, Bradley confessed to experiencing genuine vertigo while navigating the precarious structure. Bradley told Chris: "I know, people think I'm making it up."

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However, Chris replied: "There's no way, you were white as a sheet", and Barney interjected with: "It does terrify him". Reassuringly, Bradley reported that he's been making progress with his vertigo struggles, stating: "I'd like to think that since the early days, I've got a bit better."

The NHS website describes vertigo as a sensation of spinning, either personally or environmentally, which can significantly impact balance. It notes that vertigo episodes can last from mere seconds to hours, with severe cases persisting for days or even months, as reported by Gloucestershire Live.

Vertigo often resolves itself without treatment. Nevertheless, the NHS advises consulting a GP if symptoms recur or interfere with daily life.

Vertigo is often mistakenly referred to as a fear of heights when in actuality, this should be termed acrophobia. According to Healthline, acrophobia can induce physical reactions such as increased sweating, chest tightness or pain, nausea or dizziness, and an accelerated heartbeat when faced with or even just thinking about elevated places.

Beyond his "vertigo", Bradley has also grappled with another medical condition called blepharitis, leading to swollen, red eyes. He previously said: "People don't realise I have seriously bad blepharitis.

"I have to take one pill a day for it or I really struggle. I am going to need my eyes operated on at some point to sort it out. So many times, people have commented on how I look. But they don't realise. If I take medication though, I'm fine."