Mel: Finding I had autism helped to unlock my happiness
Star’s ‘hard road’ after breakdown
MELANIE Sykes will shortly reveal how she had a breakdown – and how she dealt with being diagnosed autistic at the age of 51.
The TV presenter, a star for three decades, has penned a tell-all book which will touch upon “fame, motherhood, self-medicating and trauma”.
It follows her life through to her breakdown and the breakthrough of becoming a campaigner and autism advocate.
Presenter Melanie finally learned of her condition in 2021.
She has previously said how the “life-changing” diagnosis meant things started to “make sense” at last.
She says writing the book, due out in April, with publisher Harpernorth was sometimes like doing “openheart surgery” on herself.
Mel admits: “Getting a late diagnosis and having to learn about and understand my neurodivergent mind and sensitivities has indeed unlocked my happiness but it’s been an arduous road.
“I knew how necessary it was. I can now put it out into the world unapologetically and confidently because sharing all the wisdom my life has given me makes it all worthwhile.”
Publishing director Genevieve Pegg said: “Melanie has been a familiar presence since she burst on to the scene in the 1990s.
“But beyond the Melanie we feel we know from her TV and radio there’s a far wider, deeper story to her life.”
She added: “Her story is one of honesty, resilience and growth in the face of challenge. By turns hard-hitting and joyful, it’s packed with surprise, hope and calls to action.”
Melanie said she always wanted to write a book and that her diagnosis “shone light across my entire life but took time to unpick. This book is a result of that exploration”.
She has spoken about her youngest son being diagnosed with autism at the age of three.
Melanie married Jack Cockings in May 2013 but they divorced a year later.
Her first marriage to actor Daniel Caltagirone ended in 2009 after eight years. They had two children.
Melanie, now 52, split with Italian gondolier Riccardo Simionato, 27 years her junior, after 12 months together.
Christine Mcguinness, married to TV star Paddy Mcguinness, also recently revealed she had been diagnosed as autistic.
Writing the book was like doing open heart surgery on myself
MELANIE SYKES ON THE CHALLENGE OF HER BOOK