TV host Julia Morris has spoken candidly about the private health battle that blindsided her during one of the busiest times in her career, in the hopes that her story will prompt others to take action.

Julia Morris has shared her private struggle with shingles, describing the experience as both “painful” and “debilitating” in a bid to raise awareness about the viral infection.

The 57-year-old comedian and I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! host opened up in a new social media video, posted on Monday, where she recalled being struck down “at one of the busiest times of my career”.

“One thing you guys might not know about me is that I was diagnosed with shingles a couple of years ago,” she told fans in a clip sponsored by GSK Australia.

Julia Morris has shared her private struggle with shingles for the first time. Picture: Instagram @ladyjuliamorris
“…I really didn’t know anything about it. It was painful, it was exhausting, it was months in bed that I just didn’t have.”

Morris said the illness hit her hard, and that the “immediate and overwhelming” physical toll was immense.

“When shingles hit me, I was in the middle of one of the busiest times of my career. The physical toll was immediate and overwhelming – I had a red rash across my torso, an aching body and the most brutal headache,” she said.

“I could barely get through a day without collapsing back into bed. Even simple tasks like having a shower left me exhausted and I was completely debilitated for weeks. Shingles wasn’t just painful; it completely altered how I lived and worked.”

Julia and her I’m A Celeb co-host Robert Irwin attend the 64th TV WEEK Logie Awards at The Star, Sydney on August 18, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. Picture: Sam Tabone/Getty Images
In the video, she explained that shingles is “basically a viral infection that is a reactivation of the chicken pox virus,” affecting “about one in three Australians” in their lifetime – particularly those aged over 50.

“There comes a time when you need to start contributing to your ‘health superannuation’,” she said in the caption.

“That’s why I’m sharing my story to encourage Australians over 50 to speak to their doctor or pharmacist about shingles.

“By understanding your risk, you can start to unpack the hidden health baggage so many of us carry.”

Julia Morris has previously spoken out about her skin cancer battle. Picture: Instagram @ladyjuliamorris
Her shingles revelation comes a year after she revealed she had undergone treatment for skin cancer.

On September 27, 2024, the four-time Gold Logie nominee posted a photo showing a large bandage across her forehead, telling followers she’d had a “pretty big” cancer removed.

“How is your 50+ working out for you? I wish I had used it more in my life,” she captioned the post.

“Another pretty big skin cancer removed this week… The Aussie sun is no joke and while I lived like a pig on a spit in my 20s, I’m absolutely suffering the consequences now.

“Please slip, slop, slap and as always, early detection is the key.”