Loose Women star Kaye Adams was concerned that she was having a “stroke” during a pilates class, she has revealed.

Fans of Loose Women were left deeply concerned this week after presenter Kaye Adams revealed she suffered a frightening health emergency that she initially believed was a stroke.

The 62-year-old broadcaster opened up about the harrowing experience, describing the moment as “absolutely horrible” and admitting that she genuinely thought she might not recover.

According to Adams, the ordeal began suddenly at home when she experienced a wave of dizziness and disorientation that left her unable to focus or stand properly.

“It came out of nowhere,” she explained during a recent interview.

“One minute I was fine, the next I felt my whole body go light and tingly — I thought I was having a stroke. I couldn’t think straight, and my vision was blurred. It was absolutely terrifying.”

Close friends and colleagues from the Loose Women panel quickly reached out after hearing the news. Co-host Ruth Langsford reportedly sent messages of support, while Coleen Nolan shared on air that the entire team had been “worried sick.”

During Thursday’s broadcast, Nolan told viewers: “We were all absolutely beside ourselves when we found out.

We’re just so relieved she’s okay — we can’t wait to have her back.”

The 62-year-old opened up about the “scary” incident during her podcast, How To Be 60.

Kaye had a frightening experience while working out (Credit: ITV)
Loose Women star Kaye Adams on ‘scary’ moment she thought she was having a ‘stroke’

Opening up to her co-star, Loose Women favourite Kaye said: “Do you know what I’ve had recently? It’s the most bizarre thing.

“I went to my Pilates recently, the reformer Pilates, I call it disco Pilates, because it’s all bright lights and music,” she explained.

The former Strictly star explained that she was having a “busy week” before her class.

The Scottish-born TV star said that in the midst of the panic, she called for help and was rushed to hospital for emergency tests.

Paramedics reportedly arrived within minutes, performing a series of quick assessments before transporting her to A&E.

“They were incredible,” she said of the medical team. “But even sitting in the ambulance, I remember thinking, this could be it. I was shaking with fear. It’s something I’ll never forget.”

Doctors immediately began running neurological and cardiovascular scans to rule out a stroke or transient ischemic attack (often called a mini-stroke).

After several tense hours, Adams was relieved to learn that she had not suffered a stroke — though she was diagnosed with a severe bout of vertigo triggered by a sudden change in inner ear pressure and stress. The presenter said she was “incredibly grateful” but still “traumatised” by the experience.

“When you hear the word ‘stroke’ mentioned, everything freezes,” she shared.

“It’s the kind of thing you associate with life-changing consequences, and in that moment, I genuinely thought my life was about to change forever. Even though it wasn’t that, it reminded me how fragile we all are.”

Kaye Adams, who has co-hosted ITV’s Loose Women since 1999, said the episode forced her to reflect deeply on her health and the pressures of her busy lifestyle.

“I’ve been burning the candle at both ends for far too long,” she admitted. “Between Loose Women, my radio show, my podcast, and family life — I’ve just been going nonstop. I think my body finally said, enough is enough.”

However, things took a turn for the worse for Kaye after she finished the class.

“And I got off the reformer and my goodness the world began to spin,” she said.

‘It was horrible’

Continuing, Kaye said: “It was like a Tom and Jerry cartoon when there’s birds around the head.

“I was really scared, actually it was horrible, I thought I was having a stroke. I just couldn’t get my balance,” she then said.

Adams has previously been admired for her openness about aging, body image, and self-care on Loose Women.

In her 2022 memoir Still Hot!, she discussed navigating life after 50 and learning to accept physical and emotional changes with humor and grace. This latest health scare, she said, has deepened her appreciation for life’s simple moments.

“When you go through something like that, you realise how quickly things can change,” she reflected. “It sounds cliché, but I really do feel grateful to just wake up every morning and feel okay.”

While she’s still recovering, Adams says she’s taking things slowly and focusing on gratitude. She’s reportedly been spending more time at home in Scotland with her partner, tennis coach Ian Campbell, and their two daughters.

“They’ve been amazing,” she said. “They were frightened too, but we’ve all had some important conversations about slowing down and living a bit more mindfully.”

Fans are hopeful that Adams will soon return to the Loose Women panel, though she has made it clear she won’t rush back before she’s ready. “I need to listen to my body,” she told listeners on her podcast How to Be 60. “For once, I’m giving myself permission to rest.”

“I’ve checked it out and apparently its vertigo, and now everyone I speak to has vertigo. I had never even heard of it before then,” she then continued.

She went on to say that she was skeptical recently when a friend had told her they’d had vertigo, as she believed the condition to be “nonsense”.

According to the NHS, vertigo is a symptom, rather an a condition. Vertigo makes you feel like everything is spinning around you, enough to affect your balance. It is more than feeling dizzy.

Kaye was supported by fans (Credit: Dr. Louise Newson / YouTube)
Kaye supported by fans

Taking to Instagram, Kaye uploaded a brief video of herself collapsing on her bed while Vic Reeves’ Dizzy played in the background.

“If you’ve listened to the podcast then this will make sense. If you haven’t then you’ll just think I’m a crazy old woman. Both of these statements are actually true,” she captioned the post.

“I heard you saying on your podcast episode today that you suffered with vertigo recently Kaye, I hope you’re ok,” one fan commented.

Adams has since taken a short break from filming to rest and recover at home. Sources close to the show confirmed that producers encouraged her to prioritise her health before returning to the panel. “Kaye’s well-being comes first,” an insider said. “She’s a huge part of Loose Women, and everyone adores her. We all want her to come back stronger and without any lingering effects from what happened.”

In her own words, Adams described the aftermath as “a wake-up call.” She revealed that she’s now making changes to her daily routine, including improved diet, sleep, and relaxation habits. “I’ve realised I can’t keep running on empty,” she said. “It’s not sustainable, and it’s certainly not worth the risk. I want to be around for my kids, my friends, and my work — but to do that, I have to take care of myself first.”

Fans of the Loose Women star have expressed an outpouring of love and encouragement online. One wrote, “Kaye, you scared us all! Please take it easy — we need your laugh and honesty back on our screens soon.” Another commented, “So glad it wasn’t a stroke. You’re an inspiration for talking about it so openly.” Messages of support have flooded Adams’ social media pages, with many thanking her for raising awareness about the importance of not ignoring sudden health symptoms.

Medical experts have also praised Adams for speaking publicly about her experience. Dr. Ellie Cannon, a GP and health columnist, told The Daily Mail that vertigo and other neurological symptoms can often mimic more serious conditions, and people should always seek emergency help if they suspect something like a stroke. “It’s always better to get checked immediately,” Dr. Cannon said. “Even if it turns out to be something less serious, you should never take chances with neurological symptoms.”

As one of daytime television’s most loved and enduring voices, Kaye Adams’ candor about her health scare has resonated deeply with audiences. Her experience serves as a powerful reminder that no one — no matter how successful or composed — is immune to life’s unexpected moments. And for Adams, the frightening ordeal may have been exactly what she needed to rediscover balance, perspective, and self-care.

“Brandt darrof exercise..did this on 2 separate occasions ..it does work.. make sure to do it once a week when the vertigo has improved,” another said.