Behind the scenes: Melissa King reveals the health battle that caused face spasms while filming live on TV
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Cheerful, upbeat and perennially positive, that’s how some viewers would describe Better Homes and Gardens star, Melissa King. She’s a breath of fresh air for those who watch the show every week.
But what you may not know is that she has been quietly battling a health issue for the past couple of years, and she decided to come public with her condition.
In 2017, King was diagnosed with a non-cancerous tumour in her brain, close to her ear. It’s medically known as a meningioma, and although generally benign, it still threw a bit of a scare into her world.
Coupled with immediate medical follow-up, including regular MRI scans, King also vowed to keep her diagnosis a secret from all but her closest family and friends.
But in 2021, due to a mild increase in the size of the tumour, her doctors suggested she go for either surgery or radiotherapy.
With her two young sons to consider, she opted for radiotherapy, the less invasive option. She got started right away with the 15 sessions without telling her Better Homes and Gardens colleagues.
Little did she realise that it was during an on-air appearance at a flower show for television’s Sunrise that her health issue would resurface. It was live on air where she felt face spasms, to the bewilderment of her coworkers.
‘I could feel the stretching and tightening as the right side of my face contorted, and I knew everyone watching at home could see it too,’ Melissa shared in a magazine interview.
‘That morning was awful. I could hear the producers say, “Melissa, are you OK?”’ she added.
She knew then that she had to come clean with the cast and crew of the show.
When she explained the situation to her colleagues, they were all very understanding and supportive.
Knowing that these episodes can come on mid-filming, they were well prepared, and they even worked in periods of rest between filming whenever Melissa would experience spasms.
‘Most of my segments are filmed so we can stop the camera if I need to wait until it passes,’ she said.
‘People have been incredibly understanding and supportive, and I’m so grateful,’ Melissa expressed.
Melissa is now currently on the path to recovery and spoke to the Australian Women’s Weekly about her experiences, which they feature in their October issue. In a typical display of grace and optimism, she took to social media recently to thank them for what she calls 'sharing my story so beautifully and so compassionately'.
Messages of support and love came pouring from her fans on social media, with one person saying: ‘I’m so glad you are well despite everything you are going through…you are such a positive person, and I always see light shine out of you.’
‘Oh Mel, that sounds so tough. I’m glad you’re doing ok. Sending lots of good vibes your way for positive health,’ another person wrote.
A third person commented: ‘What a journey. Thank goodness you're on the improvement. Thank you for sharing. Great article in Women's Weekly too.’
Melissa also shared her story on The Morning Show on 7. You watch the clip here:
We here at SDC salute you for your tremendous courage, Melissa, and hope you will be well on the road to a full recovery soon!
What do you think of this story, members? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
But what you may not know is that she has been quietly battling a health issue for the past couple of years, and she decided to come public with her condition.
In 2017, King was diagnosed with a non-cancerous tumour in her brain, close to her ear. It’s medically known as a meningioma, and although generally benign, it still threw a bit of a scare into her world.
Melissa King shared her health battle to the public. Credit: @melissakinginthegarden/Instagram
Coupled with immediate medical follow-up, including regular MRI scans, King also vowed to keep her diagnosis a secret from all but her closest family and friends.
But in 2021, due to a mild increase in the size of the tumour, her doctors suggested she go for either surgery or radiotherapy.
With her two young sons to consider, she opted for radiotherapy, the less invasive option. She got started right away with the 15 sessions without telling her Better Homes and Gardens colleagues.
Little did she realise that it was during an on-air appearance at a flower show for television’s Sunrise that her health issue would resurface. It was live on air where she felt face spasms, to the bewilderment of her coworkers.
‘I could feel the stretching and tightening as the right side of my face contorted, and I knew everyone watching at home could see it too,’ Melissa shared in a magazine interview.
Melissa kept her secret from her Better Homes and Gardens colleagues. Credit: @melissakinginthegarden/Instagram
‘That morning was awful. I could hear the producers say, “Melissa, are you OK?”’ she added.
She knew then that she had to come clean with the cast and crew of the show.
When she explained the situation to her colleagues, they were all very understanding and supportive.
Knowing that these episodes can come on mid-filming, they were well prepared, and they even worked in periods of rest between filming whenever Melissa would experience spasms.
‘Most of my segments are filmed so we can stop the camera if I need to wait until it passes,’ she said.
‘People have been incredibly understanding and supportive, and I’m so grateful,’ Melissa expressed.
Melissa is now currently on the path to recovery and spoke to the Australian Women’s Weekly about her experiences, which they feature in their October issue. In a typical display of grace and optimism, she took to social media recently to thank them for what she calls 'sharing my story so beautifully and so compassionately'.
Messages of support and love came pouring from her fans on social media, with one person saying: ‘I’m so glad you are well despite everything you are going through…you are such a positive person, and I always see light shine out of you.’
‘Oh Mel, that sounds so tough. I’m glad you’re doing ok. Sending lots of good vibes your way for positive health,’ another person wrote.
A third person commented: ‘What a journey. Thank goodness you're on the improvement. Thank you for sharing. Great article in Women's Weekly too.’
Melissa also shared her story on The Morning Show on 7. You watch the clip here:
We here at SDC salute you for your tremendous courage, Melissa, and hope you will be well on the road to a full recovery soon!
What do you think of this story, members? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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are constantly with her.
