Why was Big Brother star Jenkin Edwards rushed to the hospital? Here is what we know

Big Brother star Jenkin Edwards has revealed that he was rushed to hospital this week for emergency surgery after suffering severe stomach pain. The 28-year-old Welsh barman, who appeared on Big Brother in 2013 during the show’s return to ITV, shared that the incident began on Tuesday night when he was “bent over in pain sobbing” due to what was later diagnosed as appendicitis.

On Wednesday, Edwards was taken for urgent surgery. Speaking from his hospital bed, he described the experience, thanked hospital staff for their care, and urged others not to ignore symptoms. Known for his time in the Big Brother house, Edwards also reflected on his past experiences on the show in recent social media posts.

Big Brother star Jenkin Edwards details his emergency hospital visit and surgery

On Wednesday, Jenkin Edwards revealed on Instagram that his health scare began the night before. He said that on Tuesday night, he experienced “the most unbearable pain” in his stomach, leaving him “bent over in pain sobbing.”

The next day, he was rushed into emergency surgery for appendicitis. Edwards admitted he initially underestimated the situation, thinking he was “just being dramatic” and even asking to go home 20 minutes before his test results arrived.

From his hospital bed, Edwards wore a gown and compression socks as he posted updates to his followers. He praised the NHS staff, stating,

“I can’t thank the staff enough, I am yet to meet a single person who hasn’t taken the time to be kind, listen to me and be attentive. I’ve been alone while I’ve been here and everyone has explained every little step to me - it really has meant the world.”

Keeping the mood light despite his ordeal, Edwards joked that he had asked for a tummy tuck during surgery but was told it wasn’t possible, so there would be “no massive change” in his appearance just yet. He closed his post with a serious reminder, urging people to seek medical attention for any aches or pains, warning that he had considered ignoring his symptoms, and saying, “God knows what would have happened” if he had.

Edwards’ hospitalization comes after he recently marked the 25th anniversary of Big Brother with an emotional statement on social media. Reflecting on his own experience in the house, he said,

“25 years of Big Brother. To some people it’s just a show but to me it was more than that, it was a way of showing that plus sized neurodivergent gay men exist and deserve a seat at the table. It was a way of making my parents proud, it was a way of putting a middle finger up to all the bullies I’ve encountered through my life, and in some ways it was a way of me loving myself again.”

Edwards recalled that Big Brother was a fixture in his home growing up, with his mother and grandmother watching from the very first season. He said it always felt like part of his childhood and that he knew he would one day take part, something he achieved on his first try.

During his season, he turned down £25,000 and unlimited Kinder Bueno for the chance to see a “mystery family or friend” for one minute, missing the opportunity to see his mother, Susan. Edwards explained that being away from her was one of the hardest parts of his experience, sharing that he had been her carer from the ages of twelve to eighteen and spoke to her daily.

He said he partly joined the show for her, calling her his biggest supporter and

“the first to bring me back down to earth.”

Trending

Fans can follow Edwards on Instagram @jenkin_edwards

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback