Jack Fowler opens up about secret illness battle that left him paralysed

Woah, this sounds scary

Jack Fowler

by Nathan Katnoria |
Updated on

Love Island’s Jack Fowler has revealed his secret battle with an aggressive rare illness that left him paralysed in his legs and wheelchair-bound for weeks.

Jack was struck down earlier this year with transverse myelitis – a rare neurological condition that only affects around 300 people every year. He suffered an inflamed spine and damaged nerve fibres as a result of the illness but kept it a secret from fans on social media.

The 24-year-old was determined to keep up appearances and continued posting holiday snaps on Instagram while undergoing treatment.

Jack explained, “Instagram, social media is absolutely fake. At the start of this year — no one knows this — I had something called transverse myelitis.

“I lost all movement in my legs and my left arm, paralysed, I was in a wheelchair for two or three weeks.”

CHECK OUT Love Island 2018 - where are they now?

Gallery

Love Island series 4 - where are they now? - Slider

Love Island1 of 35
CREDIT: u00a9 ITV Pictures

Swipe through to see what the Love Island 2018 cast are up to now:

Jack Fincham2 of 35
CREDIT: u00a9 ITV Pictures

Jack Fincham

Pen salesman Jack Fincham won the show in 2018 alongside Dani Dyer, the pair coupled up together in the first show and the rest was history.

Jack Fincham3 of 35
CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

Jack Fincham

After leaving the villa, Jack landed himself a TV show alongside Dani Dyer, appeared on the Celebrity version of Gogglebox and even hosted the NTA red carpet with Dani. After the pair split up in April 2019, Jack has gone on to be involved in a number of sponsorship deals, as well as attending various events. He also recently appeared on The All New Full Monty.

Dani Dyer4 of 35
CREDIT: u00a9 ITV Pictures

Dani Dyer

Despite already having some fame (due to her famous dad, Danny Dyer) before entering the villa, Love Island certainly catapulted Dani into the limelight when she won the show with Jack Fincham.

Dani Dyer5 of 35
CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

Dani Dyer

After leaving the villa, Dani was in demand, landing her own clothing brand with In The Style, appearing on more or less EVERY TV show, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro for Red Nose Day, and releasing her own book. Following her split from Jack, Dani was accused of 'cheating' with her ex-boyfriend Sammy Kimmence, after snaps of them kissing emerged. However, the Love Island winner totally denied the rumours.

Laura Anderson6 of 35
CREDIT: u00a9 ITV Pictures

Laura Anderson

Despite her turbulent time in the Love Island villa, Scottish beauty Laura Anderson finished in second place with hunky model Paul Knops.

Laura Anderson7 of 35
CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

Laura Anderson

Despite her relationship with Paul not lasting, Laura has kept herself busy and she recently launched her own fitness and lifestyle website called So-LA. Oh, and her Instagram is also filled with clothing deals from various brands.

Paul Knopps8 of 35
CREDIT: u00a9 ITV Pictures

Paul Knops

He was VERY popular with the ladies when he was a late arrival into the villa (probably due to fact he'd appeared in Britney Spears video), but it was Laura Anderson who he coupled up with finishing in second place.

Paul Knopps9 of 35
CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

Paul Knopps

After splitting with Laura just weeks after leaving the villa, Paul has continued to work as a model, showing off his good looks on his Instagram page. We wonder if he features in any more of Britney Spears' music videos?

Kaz Crossley10 of 35
CREDIT: u00a9 ITV Pictures

Kaz Crossley

After coupling up with Josh Denzel on the show, Kaz made it all the way to the final, with many fans wanting the couple to win ahead of Jack and Dani.

Kaz Crossley11 of 35
CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

Kaz Crossley

Following her split from Josh, Kaz is well and truly living her best life, touring the world on modelling and clothing shoots. Just check out her Instagram to make yourself VERY jealous of her lifestyle. In April 2019 it was announced she's dating Love Island star Theo Campbell!

Megan Barton-Hanson12 of 35
CREDIT: u00a9 ITV Pictures

Megan Barton-Hanson

Despite being very unpopular when she first entered the Love Island villa, Megan was able to turn public perception around, leaving as one of the favourites alongside Wes Nelson.

Megan Barton-Hanson13 of 35
CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

Megan Barton-Hanson

She's now a single lady after splitting from Wes, and released one of the best break-up statements of the decade.Megan is now a brand ambassador for Pretty Little Thing, and most recently she took part in ITV's The All New Full Monty.

Wes Nelson14 of 35
CREDIT: u00a9 ITV Pictures

Wes Nelson

It took him a while to settle during his time in the villa, but he eventually seemed smitten when he coupled up with Megan Barton-Hanson, with the pair making it to the final.

Wes Nelson15 of 35
CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

Wes Nelson

Wes was in demand when he left the Love Island villa, landing a spot on Dancing On Ice in January 2019. Despite impressing with his moves (and being linked to his partner Vanessa Bauer following his split from Megan), the star finished in second place.Wes is now living life to the full as a single man, landing clothing deals, attending events and being flown around the world to promote different brands.

Dr Alex George16 of 35
CREDIT: u00a9 ITV Pictures

Dr Alex George

Aww, Dr Alex! He stole the nation's hearts when he tried and continued to be pied in the villa, ending in him leaving the show as 'friends' with Alexandra Cane.

Dr Alex George17 of 35
CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

Dr Alex George

Despite this, Dr Alex certainly had the last laugh! After appearing on shows like Lorraine and This Morning to give medical advice, Dr Alex returned to his job at a hospital, saving lives every day!Much to our delight, he's also super loved-up with his girlfriend Amelia Bath.

Jack Fowler18 of 35
CREDIT: u00a9 ITV Pictures

Jack Fowler

Despite leaving the villa with surfer girl Laura Crane, things fizzled out very quickly when they returned to the real world.

Jack Fowler19 of 35
CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

Jack Fowler

Jack appeared on Celebs Go Dating earlier in 2019, and despite fans loving his date Kate, nothing materialised between the two. Most recently, Jack has been on holiday to America with his Love Island pals, and he often models for BooHooMAN.

Georgia Steel20 of 35
CREDIT: u00a9 ITV Pictures

Georgia Steel

She was like Marmite on the show, and eventually left the villa with Sam Bird, before their very sour split just months after the show ended.

Georgia Steel21 of 35
CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

Georgia Steel

After her sour split from Sam Bird, Georgia signed up to Celebs Go Dating (on the same series as Jack Fowler). Despite taking a very handsome man to the final show in Tenerife, nothing seemed to happen after the show. She's now modelling and is involved in a ton of endorsement deals on her Instagram page.

Charlie Brake22 of 35
CREDIT: u00a9 ITV Pictures

Charlie Brake

Millionaire Charlie Brake swept Geordie girl Elilie Brown off her feet during his time in the villa, with the pair enjoying a number of luxurious holidays in the months following.

Charlie Brake23 of 35
CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

Charlie Brake

Just months later, Charlie was accused of 'cheating' on Ellie, and he's since been linked to former TOWIE star Ferne McCann and Dan Edgar's ex-girlfriend Amber Davies.In other news, he's still a millionaire.

Ellie Brown24 of 35
CREDIT: u00a9 ITV Pictures

Ellie Brown

Following her heartbreak after her romance with Charlie ended, Ellie found comfort in her Love Island besties, including the likes of Zara McDermott, Adam Collard and Kaz Crossley.

Ellie Brown25 of 35
CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

Ellie Brown

She's now involved in a number of endorsements on her Instagram page, as well as attending events with her co-stars.

Samira Mighty26 of 35
CREDIT: u00a9 ITV Pictures

Samira Mighty

It took her a few weeks, but eventually Samira Mighty seemed to find happiness with late arrival Frankie Foster, with Samira leaving the villa after her man was dumped from the show.

Samira Mighty27 of 35
CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

Samira Mighty

Despite this, just weeks later, Samira dumped Frankie after he was caught cheating on her.Now, Samira is still best friends with a number of her co-stars including Adam Collard and Dani Dyer, and she often posts super sizzling snaps of herself modelling on her Instagram page.

Adam Collard28 of 35
CREDIT: u00a9 ITV Pictures

Adam Collard

He was the heartbreak kid at the beginning of the series, gaining the 'player' title, but the public's view of Geordie boy Adam Collard soon changed when he turned smitten with Zara McDermott.

Adam Collard29 of 35
CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

Adam Collard

Although they lasted nearly a year, Adam and Zara announced they'd split on Valentine's Day (brutal). The PT has been linked to a number of other woman since, including Harley Brash and Delilah Belle Hamlin, but he appears to be single right now. Adam is keeping himself busy on modelling shoots at stunning destinations across the world, as well as promotional deals and his PT business.

Zara McDermott30 of 35
CREDIT: u00a9 ITV Pictures

Zara McDermott

She was the one girl who seemed to 'tame' Adam when she arrived in the villa, and despite leaving before her beau, Adam and Zara reunited when he left.

Zara McDermott31 of 35
CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

Zara McDermott

Zara is very active on her Instagram page, landing clothing deals with the likes of Missy Empire, AX Paris and Lasula.

Eyal Booker32 of 35
CREDIT: u00a9 ITV Pictures

Eyal Booker

Despite having one of the best haircuts to ever grace the Love Island villa, poor old Eyal left the show without finding love.

Eyal Booker33 of 35
CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

Eyal Booker

Don't feel too sorry for him though, as well as THAT snog with Kendall Rae-Knight at the Love Island Christmas reunion, Eyal appeared on Celebs Go Dating and he's now dating American model Delilah Belle Hamlin. Work-wise, Eyal continues to use his handsome face and unreal physique to his advantage, picking up modelling deals left, right and center.

Rosie Williams34 of 35
CREDIT: u00a9 ITV Pictures

Rosie Williams

Poor old Rosie Williams had her little heart broken by Adam Collard in the villa, resulting in her being dumped from the show far too early.

Rosie Williams35 of 35
CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

Rosie Williams

Rosie recently revealed to fans she'd been editing her photos 'too much' after Love Island left her feeling 'rubbish'. However, the former Islander later told fans how she's been working with her family and friends to come up with ideas of how to recreate her Instagram, to bring back the 'sassy' Rosie her fans know.

READ MORE celebrity news

Love Island's Jack Fincham shows off hair transplant results after nasty accident

Chris Taylor fuels Maura Higgins romance rumours with cheeky snap

Sherif Lanre speaks out on Love Island's 'systemic racism' after show axe

He continued, “On my Instagram I was ­having a wicked time, I was having a great time. I was in Dubai, I was in Thailand for all of the two weeks because that’s the ’gram making it look like that.

“But realistically, I wasn’t — I was going through the hardest time of my life.”

Jack – who thankfully has now made a full recovery – made the admission as he spoke about Love Island’s impact on society during a debate at Oxford Union with fellow Islanders Malin Andersson and Amy Hart, as well as feminist academic Dr Amelia Morris.

WATCH Jack Fowler doesn't think he's husband material | Answers The Internet Live

Jack left fans devastated last month when he went public with his secret girlfriend, just weeks after he exclusively told heat he was dating someone.

While he’s not revealed much about his new bae, the 2018 Islander shared a loved-up snap of the pair and captioned it, “It’s all good over on this side.”

Jack’s Love Island ex Laura Crane debuted her fitlord new man Levis Douglas on the ‘gram a week later and he gave his seal of approval by commenting three praise hands emojis.

The professional surfer shared a photo of herself, her man, and an extremely handsome dog, captioning it, "Day 61 of quarantine could look worse."

Just so you know, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website - read why you should trust us