Bedside Manners

In this episode of Bedside Manners, Dr. Oscar Duke sits down with Chloe Meadows—who rose to fame on The Only Way is Essex—as she breaks her silence on living with ulcerative colitis, a chronic bowel disease she once kept hidden.

Chloe opens up about it all: the confusing early symptoms, relentless toilet trips, blood, and the deep embarrassment that kept her from seeking a diagnosis for far too long. Now on a mission to break the stigma and help others get the treatment they need sooner, she shares the powerful story that led her to become an ambassador for Crohn’s and Colitis UK. She also discusses juggling the disease while living in the spotlight of reality TV, and how she navigates the topic with new romantic partners.

Leading gastroenterologist Professor James Lindsay from HCA Healthcare UK joins Oscar to unpack the science—what ulcerative colitis really is, why long-term medication matters, and how treatment can help minimise its impact.

This episode is sponsored by HCA Healthcare UK.

BBC Strictly Come Dancing professional Aljaž Škorjanec – a 19-time Slovenian champion in Ballroom, Latin, and Ten Dance – joins Dr Oscar Duke to share the story behind his meteoric rise. Amid the world of steps, sequins, and spray tans, Aljaž has also been managing life with psoriasis – a chronic skin condition that causes red, itchy, and scaly patches due to an accelerated growth of skin cells. He opens up about the physical and emotional impact of the condition, which affects around 2% of the UK population.

Consultant Dermatologist Dr Angela Tewari from HCA Healthcare UK also joins the conversation to explore the medical side of psoriasis, available treatments, and the latest developments in dermatology.

This episode is sponsored by HCA Healthcare UK.

Fast Show comedian Paul Whitehouse joins Dr Oscar Duke to share the personal healing journey behind his hit BBC series, Gone Fishing, with Bob Mortimer. Paul recalls how a sudden hospital visit for an abscess led to a life-threatening operation where part of his colon had to be removed. It was during his recovery that hidden heart issues surfaced. When his close friend Bob Mortimer faced similar urgent heart surgery, the pair made a pact: regain strength and wellbeing by embracing the great outdoors, wandering idyllic chalk streams—and occasionally trying, but mostly failing, to catch fish. Consultant cardiologist Dr. Oliver Segal from HCA Healthcare UK also joins the conversation, shedding light on coronary artery disease, how lifestyle choices impact heart health, and the latest breakthroughs in cardiac care.

This episode is sponsored by HCA Healthcare UK.

BAFTA-winning actress Miriam Margolyes joins Dr Oscar Duke for the first appointment of the Bedside Manners podcast. Describing a childhood growing up as the daughter of a GP, Miriam shares how passing wind and earwax were common dinner-time topics. But as someone who has reached a considerable level of fame and following in later life, staying fit and healthy has taken on a new meaning—as she describes enduring knee replacement surgery and the TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) procedure on her heart. She also shares thoughts on the importance of maintaining social connections as you get older and "forcing your mouth to go up at the sides". Plus, Oscar reveals a potential diagnosis relating to the gastric effect of onions.

Professor Michael Fertleman from HCA Healthcare UK (a specialist in geriatric medicine and orthopaedic rehabilitation) also joins Oscar to discuss the intricacies of elderly care, the risks and benefits of surgeries for older adults, and the future of care enhanced by technology.

This episode is sponsored by HCA Healthcare UK.

The first episode of this brand new series with Dr Oscar Duke drops on Tuesday 20th May – follow and subscribe now!