Ulrika Jonsson has given fans a frank health update after undergoing another painful medical procedure — revealing she was left bleeding and bundled into surgical stockings as she recovered in hospital. The TV star, 58, took to Instagram on Friday (February 13) to share photos from her hospital bed, wearing a gown and offering a brutally honest account of what she described as a far-from-glamorous experience. Ulrika revealed she had undergone treatment to remove varicose veins, admitting the procedure was “painful, uncomfortable and not the sexiest thing in the world” — but ultimately a success.

Posting alongside the images, Ulrika explained that the operation marked the third time she had undergone the treatment, describing herself as something of a veteran. She wrote: “Under strict instruction from my occasional therapist who told me I needed to get out of my comfort zone, I decided on a day out to get my varicose veins done.” Ulrika added: “I’m somewhat of a veteran in this field – this was the third (and final) time. Last visit was 21yrs ago. Nowadays they not only hook the swines out but ‘microwave’ and ‘foam’ the blighters.”

Despite the discomfort, she said the outcome had been positive, even if the recovery was far from pleasant.

She continued: “It was complex but successful and aside from my legs being suffocated by surgical stockings and bleeding like vertical colanders, having someone make me a cheese and ham toastie, was a bit of a treat.”

Ulrika also praised the medical team who treated her, writing: “It’s painful, uncomfortable and not the sexiest thing in the world but grateful for my amazing Consultant, Mr Northeast.”

Detailing previous treatments, she added: “Back in Oct I had a pioneering treatment to try to stem the flow of blood to the legs by going in through my jugular vein – while I was awake – and passing a wire down to the pelvic area to embolise the veins that are feeding the legs. Had this done 21yrs ago first time, too. Bonkers.”

The presenter said she had been instructed to rest for eight days following the procedure, though she admitted sticking to that might be a challenge.

“So that’s me for the next 8 days, strapped in blood soaked stockings and trying my hardest to sit on my fat ar5e and take it easy. Fat chance. Send healing vibes and baked goods,” she joked.

The hospital stay comes just weeks after Ulrika spoke openly about a turning point in her battle with alcohol addiction. Appearing on Spencer Matthews’ podcast UNTAPPED, she recalled a devastating phone call from her best friend that forced her to confront her drinking.

She said: “It was awful. My best friend phoned me on a Saturday morning… ‘I could understand a f***ing word you said. You have a problem and I can’t help you.’”

Ulrika admitted the call left her deeply shaken, adding: “I still didn’t stop drinking… because that was so shaming.”

She has since credited that moment with saving her life. Now more than a year sober, Ulrika has spoken about how quitting alcohol transformed her wellbeing.

In a previous open letter, she wrote: “It was a hangover day… wrapped up in the blanket of shame, and something made me reach out for help.”