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.