Katie Piper forced to pull out of TV show for 'unexpected medical procedure'

TV personality Katie Piper has been forced to withdraw from her morning show this weekend for “unexpected” medical reasons.

Ms Piper, who suffered life-changing burns in an acid attack in 2008, announced on Saturday morning that ITV presenter Charlotte Hawkins would be filling in for her last minute.

The former model-turned-activist said “all is well” and she should be back presenting Katie Piper’s Breakfast Show on ITV next weekend after recuperating.

Her hour-long weekend morning show features celebrity guests and topical discussions.

In an Instagram post, she wrote: “Sadly, I’m not going to be on my breakfast show this weekend as I’ve had to have an unexpected medical procedure.

“All is well and I hope after some rest I’ll be back in the hot seat next weekend,” said Piper, who is also a panellist on chat show Loose Women.

In the caption, she added: “I’ll be back soon”, and thanked Good Morning Britain presenter Hawkins for “stepping in last minute”.

Hawkins was among those wishing Piper a speedy recovery, responding on social media saying: “Sending lots of love to you.”

Broadcaster Carol Vorderman said: “Take care wonderful lady. You come first Telly is just telly. Sending huge love and respect xxx.”

In the opening of Saturday’s show, Hawkins said: “Katie can’t be here this morning, but she has entrusted me to look after the show and to make sure you all at home still have your Saturday fix of fun and positivity.”

The show featured guests including Gladiators star Livi Sheldon, known as Diamond on the show, and comedian Sophie Duker.

Piper has been open about her complicated recovery from the acid attack she suffered aged 24 – having undergone more than 250 operations since then.

She was left partially blind, with severe scarring to her face, chest, neck, arm and hands, after sulphuric acid was thrown in her face.

In 2009, she made a Channel 4 documentary called Katie: My Beautiful Face.

Shortly afterwards she founded the Katie Piper Foundation to support burns victims and in 2021 was awarded an OBE for her services to charity and people who have suffered burns and other disfigurement injuries.

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