Sue Perkins, one of Britain’s most beloved TV personalities, has made millions laugh over the past three decades — but behind the smiles lies a story of deep personal struggles with her health.
Best known for The Great British Bake Off, QI, and her enduring comedy duo with Mel Giedroyc, Sue has now opened up about the hidden battles that shaped her life — including a brain tumour, a recent ADHD diagnosis, and a traumatic childhood injury that permanently affected her vision.
A tumour that changed everything
Sue was in her thirties when doctors discovered a benign tumour on her pituitary gland. Though not life-threatening, it caused devastating side effects. Speaking in 2015, Sue revealed it marked the beginning of “a very, very dark time,” as the condition made her infertile.
She later admitted, “I ended a relationship. I walked out of my life,” describing how the emotional fallout left her shaken. Despite medication, Sue compared her mental state to “a shaken snow globe” and expressed her frustration, wishing her brain had “some dopamine in it” to help with memory and focus.
Living with ADHD
In 2022, Sue was diagnosed with ADHD — a revelation that finally brought her clarity. “Once I had the diagnosis, everything made sense – to me and to those who love me,” she shared. However, she insists she never uses the condition to justify mistakes, saying, “I don’t weaponise it… I want to be the best version of myself.”
Her openness has resonated with many, especially when she admitted struggling with routine, preparation, and emotional regulation.
A childhood injury with lasting damage
Even as a child, Sue faced physical trauma. In a shocking revelation, she recounted falling face-first onto scaffolding and striking a steel bar — an accident that left her permanently short-sighted in one eye. “It was so traumatic,” she said, looking back on the moment that quite literally changed the way she sees the world.
