First Dates Star CiCi Coleman Shares Honest Photos Of Inflamed Skin As She Admits Life Has Been ‘A Bit Rubbish’
First Dates star CiCi Coleman has shared a candid update with fans after revealing that stress has begun to take a physical toll on her body.
The 39-year-old, who has been a familiar face on the Channel 4 dating show for years, posted a series of honest photographs on Instagram showing inflammation, redness and bumps on her face.
CiCi, who has built a loyal following thanks to her warm personality on First Dates, said she wanted to show a more realistic side of life online.
In the images, she could be seen wearing a blue hoodie while posing in her kitchen, with close-up shots highlighting flare-ups across her skin.
Writing alongside the pictures, CiCi said she wanted to share “real life” in case her Instagram had recently appeared too polished.
She explained that the past month had been difficult and that the pressure she had been under was now showing physically.
CiCi described dealing with inflammation on her face and body, dry skin, breakouts and rosacea, admitting that the symptoms had been frustrating.
The TV favourite said she believed she had moved through the hardest part emotionally, but that her body still needed extra care.
She added that she was surprised by how quickly the body can respond to stress, sometimes before the mind has fully processed what is happening.
Offering a message to anyone going through something similar, CiCi reminded fans that they may need more rest than usual, earlier nights, a good cry or time with close friends.
She said that sometimes healing means not pushing through, not saying yes to everything and not pretending to be fine when things feel difficult.
“There is no shame in saying no,” she told her followers.
Fans quickly flooded the comments section with messages of support, praising CiCi for being so open and honest.
One follower told her she was still beautiful, while another thanked her for always being real with her audience. Others encouraged her to stay strong and reminded her that she remained loved and supported.
CiCi first joined First Dates in 2015 and quickly became one of the show’s best-loved restaurant staff members.
Her latest update comes after it was revealed that fans may soon get the chance to date her as part of a new twist on the Channel 4 series.
Fred Sirieix recently announced that single men could apply for the opportunity, joking that he had received plenty of messages from viewers hoping to take CiCi on a date.
CiCi, who has also worked as an online dating consultant and fitness coach, has continued to build her career beyond the restaurant, including launching her own dating service.
She has also co-hosted the First Dates podcast with The Saturdays star Frankie Bridge.
After spending 2025 making major life changes, including moving back to London from Australia, CiCi’s latest post has struck a chord with fans who praised her for showing the less glamorous reality behind the scenes.
For many, her message was a reminder that even familiar TV faces experience difficult moments — and that slowing down, saying no and looking after yourself can be just as important as keeping up appearances.
