Tulisa Contostavlos appears in high spirits during a recent outing in Alderley Edge, Cheshire, marking her first public appearance following a Bell’s palsy flare-up that caused short-term facial paralysis.
Recent Sighting with Friend
The 37-year-old N-Dubz singer flashed a bright smile while spending time with fellow singer Michelle McKenna, who faces her own health battle after a recent cancer diagnosis. Tulisa opted for a casual look, donning a form-fitting grey ribbed jumpsuit that accentuated her figure. She layered a white corduroy jacket over it, paired with matching Nike trainers, and kept her dark hair loose under a navy baseball cap and sunglasses.
Carrying a reusable cup, Tulisa chatted animatedly with Michelle as they walked to her parked car, displaying no visible signs of discomfort from the recent episode.
Health Update from Tulisa
Earlier this month, Tulisa shared a candid update on her recent challenges, including the Bell’s palsy attack triggered by stress. The condition, diagnosed in 2020, results from facial nerve damage leading to temporary paralysis or weakness on one side of the face.
In an Instagram post, she detailed her ‘highs and lows,’ aiming for greater authenticity. Tulisa highlighted quitting smoking after two months of nicotine withdrawals, canceling an egg retrieval due to low count amid hormonal stress, and successful surgery to remove three cysts linked to past swelling and Bell’s palsy flare-ups.
‘Trying to turn my Insta into a place of authenticity. All that crazy life experience into a bit of inspo & tools for others. Which includes sharing my highs & the lows!’
‘This week/month had challenges: Nicotine Withdrawals: HELLISH, but I’m now 2 months cig free. Hormonal Roller Coaster: Cancelled my recent egg retrieval due to low count. Stress/hormones/nicotine withdrawals have been crazy. Surgery Success: Last 3 cysts removed… Now cyst/swell free.’
The stress intensified when she learned of Michelle’s aggressive cancer diagnosis on the same day as her surgery, leading to illness and pressure that sparked the Bell’s palsy attack. Tulisa noted the minor paralysis lasted about a week with prompt steroid treatment.
She emphasized resilience: ‘Nothing compared to what my Shelly is going through… Less sob story, more reminder we’re all human… Life isn’t constant happiness, it’s a series of ups & downs.’
Past Struggles with Bell’s Palsy
Tulisa’s issues trace back to age 24, followed by a cycle of fillers to balance her appearance, which worsened inflammation. During the 2022 N-Dubz reunion tour, symptoms peaked with swelling and tingling sensations.
An ultrasound revealed chronically infected cysts in her cheek, surgically removed by specialist Darrylc Coombes. Tulisa revealed on Olivia Attwood’s podcast that these contributed to years of health woes, including sarcoidosis and immune disorders.
‘I constantly felt like my cheek was on fire… When I was doing that N-Dubz run it was at its worst.’
Now filler-free except in her lips, Tulisa reports improved health and emotional regulation, bouncing back faster from setbacks.
