Strictly's Montell Douglas issues warning after hospital dash in health battle

Montell Douglas
-Credit: (Image: PA)


Olympic sprinter Montell Douglas, who's also set to dazzle on Strictly Come Dancing, had a terrifying health scare when she began convulsing from pain, leading to an emergency call for an ambulance in what she describes as a "wake up call." In tip-top condition and always ready for a challenge, Montell shines as a former Team GB star and record-setting runner for the 100m. Not only does she boast a role as Fire in the hit series Gladiators, but she's also taking a spin on the BBC's dance floor for Strictly Come Dancing. "Hopefully, a few of my Gladiator moves will come in handy with the Tango or Paso Doble! " she said before the show kicked off. But despite her impressive athletic form, at 38, Montell faces a daunting battle against severe period pains that have landed her in hospital.

Her debilitating condition brings her life to a grinding halt every month, despite being prescribed medication designed to kick in early and keep the agony at bay. However, she was previously rushed into A&E. Montell opened up on Good Morning Britain about her alarming experience that led to a hospital stay. "That hospitalisation for me was a kind of wake-up call," she said. "My body just started convulsing, and I was almost passing out, because the pain was so intense. I was overheating because of the hormones - my body couldn't control its temperature, and that in turn made me dehydrated. The pain was in waves, coming in like contractions."

After calling an ambulance herself and being admitted to hospital and put on a drip, the Gladiators star partnered with Bupa to raise awareness about dysmenorrhoea. She's speaking out to encourage women to get help for their painful, heavy or irregular periods.

READ MORE:Helen Flanagan's ex footballer boyfriend moves on with new family friend romance

READ MORE:Strictly's Sam Quek cheered on by two adorable children in sweet post

She spoke candidly, saying, "I'm going to be really honest about it as I think it's something we really need to talk about more the agonising pain... not many people and not all women will experience the same thing," highlighting how the condition is not only physically but also emotionally draining.

She opened up about the impact on her training and competition, saying: "It can be really defeating, there have been times in my sporting career and also being doubled over with pain, lying doubled over in pain in bed, or if I've made it to the track to train I'm just lying on the floor. The waves are so intense, not only are you focusing on what you're trying to do, which is always high level, it's very distracting. Often, I can't actually do the task I'm meant to do so I can't do a duel, I can't run, the pain of doing my sport is bad enough without having to think about that and challenge that."

After hospitalisation, Montell had contraceptive implants which she says have significantly eased her period pains. "Since then, it's been much more manageable in terms of the pain," she explained.

Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe
Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe

"And it just gave me some confidence in that when it comes, I'm not going to be at its beck and call. It's something I can manage, rather than it managing me."

Montell joins the star-studded line-up for Strictly, including TOWIE's Pete Wicks, Olympian Sam Quek, and Miranda's Sarah Hadland. For anyone seeking advice on period pain, the NHS website provides helpful guidance.