Former Made in Chelsea star Louise Thompson has undergone a profound transformation in recent years, moving from reality television to become one of the UK’s most visible advocates for women’s health, stoma awareness, and recovery from birth trauma. Her journey, marked by severe medical complications and public resilience, continues to unfold in 2025.
Thompson’s story is not a simple narrative of recovery. It is a chain of linked health crises that began with a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis in 2018, escalated through a traumatic birth in November 2021, and led to life-changing surgery, post-traumatic stress disorder, and ongoing hospitalisations. She now lives with a stoma bag, manages lupus, and speaks openly about the physical and psychological toll of her experiences.
Her willingness to share these intimate details has reshaped her public profile. Once known primarily for her eight-year stint on E4’s Made in Chelsea, Thompson is now a bestselling author, podcast host, and campaigner. Her book Lucky, published in May 2024, documents the birth of her son Leo and the cascade of complications that followed. The title carries a deliberate irony: she frequently describes herself as lucky to be alive.
What Happened to Louise Thompson? A Full Health Update
- Thompson’s public account of severe childbirth complications, stoma surgery, and PTSD recovery is rare in mainstream media.
- She has transitioned from reality TV personality to a credible, first-voice campaigner for women’s health, birth rights, and IBD awareness.
- Her book Lucky became a Sunday Times #1 bestseller, indicating strong public engagement with her survival narrative.
- She maintains high topical relevance through social media (over 1.5 million followers on Instagram) and regular podcast episodes.
- Search data shows sustained demand for health updates, personal details about her relationship and son, and information on her current projects.
| Fact | Detail | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Louise Anne de Courcy Thompson | Identity |
| Born | 26 March 1990 (age 34–35) | Identity |
| Partner | Ryan Libbey (engaged, 1 son, Leo) | Personal |
| TV show | Made in Chelsea (2011–2019) | Career |
| Book | Lucky (2024, Penguin) | Work |
| Podcast | He Said She Said (with Ryan Libbey) | Media |
| Health advocacy | Stoma, IBD, birth rights, PTSD | Activism |
| Businesses | Turtle Method, Pocket (fitness apps) | Business |
The health crisis that defined Thompson’s recent years began long before the birth of her son. She was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2018, an inflammatory bowel disease that causes long-lasting inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract. Over time, the condition became severe and untreatable with medication, according to multiple reports covering the BBC and The Independent. Her entire large intestine was eventually removed, leaving her with a stoma bag.
Thompson revealed in April 2024 that the stoma bag had saved her life. She described it in interviews as “the price I pay for good health” (source: ABC News Australia). The surgery was a direct consequence of the colitis, but the timing—shortly after the birth of her son—meant that her physical recovery was layered on top of significant birth-related trauma.
The birth of Leo in November 2021 involved serious complications. Multiple reports confirm emergency intervention, a haemorrhage, a stay in intensive care, and lasting psychological damage. Thompson has said the experience left her with post-traumatic stress disorder, and later accounts describe panic episodes, anxiety, depression, and dissociation during her long recovery period (source: Metro).
Her health picture is further complicated by lupus, an autoimmune condition she has publicly discussed. One report from the Evening Standard also notes a diagnosis of Asherman’s syndrome, a condition involving scar tissue inside the uterus, which is linked to her birth-related complications. In late 2024 and into 2025, Thompson was hospitalised again, first with abdominal pain and septic shock, and later after a stoma leak sent her back to hospital (The Sun; Yahoo News UK).
The Stoma Surgery and Its Aftermath
Thompson’s stoma surgery was not presented as a choice but as a medical necessity. When ulcerative colitis became untreatable, the removal of her large intestine was the only option left. The procedure left her with a stoma bag—a pouch attached to her abdomen that collects waste. In interviews and social media posts, she has been candid about the difficulties of adapting to life with a stoma, including leaks, infections, and the psychological adjustment required.
Thompson has described the stoma as both lifesaving and life-limiting. She said in a BBC News interview that it “saved her life,” but also represents an ongoing daily challenge. Her public openness about stoma care, leaks, and hospital visits is part of a deliberate effort to reduce stigma around the device.
The 2025 material covering Thompson suggests her health issues are still active, not part of a completed recovery. The repeat hospital visits for abdominal pain, septic shock, and stoma-related complications indicate that she remains in a fragile state, managing long-term conditions rather than recovering from a single event.
Louise Thompson’s Book: What is Lucky About?
Thompson’s autobiography, Lucky, was published by Penguin in May 2024. It became a Sunday Times #1 bestseller, a commercial success that reflected significant public interest in her story. The book covers the traumatic birth of her son Leo, the medical complications that followed, and her broader journey toward physical and mental recovery.
In interviews promoting the book, Thompson said she opens up in detail about the medical complications following Leo’s birth—including the emergency intervention, the haemorrhage, and the months of rehabilitation that followed. The title is drawn from a phrase she often uses to describe herself: despite the scale of what she has been through, she considers herself lucky to be alive.
The book is not solely focused on trauma. It also explores her relationship with Ryan Libbey, her son, and the process of rebuilding a sense of normalcy after severe health disruption. Thompson has described writing Lucky as therapeutic, but also as a tool for others who may be going through similar experiences.
Lucky is structured as both a memoir and an advocacy document. Thompson uses her personal narrative to highlight gaps in maternal healthcare, the reality of life with an invisible illness, and the importance of mental health support after birth trauma. The book is available through all major book retailers and Penguin’s official author page.
Who is Louise Thompson’s Husband? Her Relationship with Ryan Libbey
Louise Thompson’s partner is Ryan Libbey. He is identified as her fiancé and the father of their son, Leo. The couple has not yet married, though engagement has been confirmed by multiple sources. Libbey has been a visible presence throughout Thompson’s health battles, often appearing in her social media posts and giving interviews about her condition.
In one report from The Independent, Libbey described how unwell Thompson was during a 2024 abdominal crisis, saying he “doesn’t know how much more she can take.” That quote captures the strain her health has placed on their relationship. Libbey has also been involved in Thompson’s media projects, including co-hosting the He Said She Said podcast with her.
Their son, Leo, was born in November 2021. Thompson has spoken about the difficulty of motherhood alongside her health struggles, and she frequently posts about Leo on Instagram, offering a glimpse into family life that is both affectionate and tinged with the realities of her ongoing medical needs.
Louise Thompson on Made in Chelsea: Past and Present
Thompson appeared on Made in Chelsea from 2011 to 2019, a run of eight years that established her as one of the show’s most recognisable cast members. The E4 reality series follows the lives of wealthy young people in London’s Chelsea neighbourhood, and Thompson was a central figure throughout her tenure.
She left the show around 2019, before her health crisis escalated. Since then, she has not returned as a regular cast member. When asked whether she would ever go back, Thompson has not given a definitive answer. Some sources refer to her as an “ex-Made in Chelsea star,” while others describe her simply as a former star of the show (BBC; The Independent; Metro).
Her reality TV background remains a key part of her public identity, but it is now secondary to her work as a health advocate and author. The transition from reality personality to campaigner is not uncommon, but Thompson’s case is notable for the depth and severity of the medical events she has chosen to share.
Louise Thompson’s Podcast and Media Appearances
Thompson co-hosts the He Said She Said podcast with Ryan Libbey. The show covers a range of topics, including their relationship, parenting, and health. It serves as an extension of Thompson’s broader media presence, which includes regular interviews with outlets such as the BBC, The Independent, Women’s Health, and The Sun.
Her media appearances are typically tied to specific events—book launches, hospitalisations, or advocacy campaigns—but she also posts frequently on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) with health updates. Her personal website (louise-thompson.co.uk) describes her as a “writer, mother, and wellness advocate.”
What is Louise Thompson Doing Now? Advocacy and Wellness
Thompson’s current activity centres on advocacy and wellness entrepreneurship. She is a visible voice around stoma-bag stigma, bowel disease, and the reality of life after traumatic childbirth. Coverage of her interviews and social media posts—including those on the BBC’s podcast platform—shows her normalising stoma use by openly sharing what it is like to live with one, describing it as a route to better health rather than something to hide.
She also runs wellness businesses, including Turtle Method and Pocket, both fitness apps. The exact revenue or user numbers for these ventures have not been made public. She remains active on social media, where her Instagram account (@louise.thompson) has over 1.5 million followers. Her bio there describes her as a campaigner for women’s health, covering birth rights, IBD, stoma life, PTSD, and motherhood.
Whether she will return to reality TV remains unclear. There are no confirmed plans for a new television project at this stage. Her focus appears to be on her podcast, her businesses, and her ongoing recovery.
Thompson does not provide daily health updates. Her recovery in 2025 is ongoing, not complete. Specific details about her business income, future TV projects, and exact health status are not fully public. The information available comes from interviews, social media, and verified news reports.
The Louise Thompson Story: Key Milestones
- 1990: Born in London.
- 2011–2019: Starred in Made in Chelsea on E4.
- 2018: Diagnosed with ulcerative colitis.
- 2021: Gave birth to son Leo; experienced severe complications including haemorrhage and ICU care.
- 2022–2023: Stoma surgery; publicly shared her health journey; diagnosed with PTSD.
- 2024 (May): Published book Lucky, which became a Sunday Times #1 bestseller.
- 2024–2025: Launched He Said She Said podcast; additional hospitalisations for septic shock and stoma leaks; continued advocacy work.
For readers interested in other UK reality TV stars who have navigated major personal challenges and public advocacy, read the story of Millie Mackintosh – Separation, Children, and New Chapter and the journey of Lucy Spraggan – Age, Wife, X Factor and Sobriety Story.
What We Know vs. What Remains Unclear
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Thompson is a British reality TV personality from Made in Chelsea. | The precise timeline of her recovery in 2025 (she does not give daily health updates). |
| She experienced a life-threatening health crisis involving childbirth, stoma surgery, and PTSD. | Specific future TV or media projects beyond podcast and advocacy. |
| She is in a long-term relationship with Ryan Libbey, with one son. | Full details of her business revenue or app user numbers. |
| She published a book called Lucky in 2024. | Whether she will return to reality TV. |
| She co-hosts the He Said She Said podcast. |
Understanding Louise Thompson’s Impact
Thompson’s public journey from reality TV star to health advocate is part of a broader trend in which celebrities leverage personal medical crises to drive awareness. Her story resonates because it intersects several high-interest topics: women’s birth rights, IBD awareness, stoma acceptance, and mental health. She has built credibility through transparent social media posts, a bestselling book, and consistent advocacy.
Her brand partnerships and app development reflect a strategic pivot from TV personality to wellness entrepreneur. Search data shows sustained interest in her health updates, relationship, and media projects, indicating a durable topical presence. Her impact is measurable not just in media coverage but in the conversations she has helped normalise around bowel disease, birth trauma, and the use of stoma bags.
Sources and Quotes
Campaigner for women’s health (birth rights, IBD, stoma life, ptsd, motherhood)
— Louise Thompson’s Instagram bio (@louise.thompson)
Number 1 Sunday Times Bestseller
— Penguin Books author page for Lucky
Louise Anne de Courcy Thompson (born 26 March 1990) is a British reality television personality
— Wikipedia entry
What’s Next for Louise Thompson?
Thompson’s trajectory is likely to involve continued advocacy for women’s health and stoma awareness, along with potential expansion of her wellness app and fitness brands. New podcast episodes and public speaking engagements are expected. A possible second book or media project has not been confirmed. Sustained social media presence with health updates will continue. Whether she returns to reality TV remains unanswered.
Frequently Asked Questions About Louise Thompson
What is Louise Thompson’s book called?
Her book is called Lucky, published in 2024 by Penguin.
Is Louise Thompson still with Ryan Libbey?
Yes, she is in a long-term relationship with Ryan Libbey, and they have a son together.
Did Louise Thompson leave Made in Chelsea?
Yes, she left the show after 8 years, around 2019.
What podcast does Louise Thompson do?
She co-hosts the He Said She Said podcast with Ryan Libbey.
What happened to Louise Thompson’s health?
She suffered severe complications after childbirth, leading to PTSD and a stoma. She has undergone multiple surgeries and advocates for stoma and birth rights.
How old is Louise Thompson?
She was born on 26 March 1990, making her 34–35 years old in 2025.
Sophie Kendall is Culture & Events Editor at DailyCity.co.uk, covering restaurants, nightlife, theatre, exhibitions, festivals and city life.