As the actor reveals the real reason she has been absent for many years, Zoë Beaty looks at the fatigue-based illness that Hart is suffering from and why it is controversial for so many

Why do so many celebrities have Lyme disease? - As Miranda Hart reveals her Lyme disease diagnosis, we take a look at the mysterious disease that so many celebrities suffer from

British comedian Miranda Hart has opened up on the 30 years she has suffered with Lyme disease, which has, at time, left her 'bed-bound'. Hart, now 51, made the revelation in her new memoir, I Haven't Been Entirely Honest With You, which will be released to the public on Thursday (10 October).

Miranda Hart has revealed that she was “bedbound for years” after undiagnosed Lyme disease developed into chronic fatigue syndrome.

Miranda Hart reveals battle with Lyme disease that left her confined to bed - The TV star, best known for popular BBC sitcom Miranda, has spoken about being diagnosed with the debilitating condition after years of illness.

The comedian talks to Today about living with a chronic illness and her marriage

Lyme disease may be difficult to diagnose as people can have common and unspecific symptoms, like a headache or fever, and they may not notice or remember a tick bite. But if left untreated it can lead to conditions such as meningitis or heart failure.

Many people with early symptoms of Lyme disease develop a circular red skin rash around a tick bite, often described as looking like a bullseye on a dart board. The rash can appear up to three months after being bitten and usually lasts for several weeks. Most rashes appear within the first four weeks after being bitten.

The actress, best known for starring in BBC sitcom Miranda, has revealed she first became unwell at the age of 15 and became bed-bound at one stage