A Journey of Strength and Awareness
Dressed in a blue gown, Isabelle Silbery gave a weak smile and a thumbs up to the camera from her hospital bed. This photo, taken by the former Gogglebox star, was more than just a snapshot—it was a message to her fans. She was showing that she was going to be okay, even after what had been a challenging few days.
Isabelle, 41, rose to fame alongside her mother, Kerry, and her late grandmother, Emmie, on the popular Channel 10 show. Her time on Gogglebox came to an end in 2025 after 17 seasons. Despite this, she remains a beloved figure among fans.
In an Instagram post, Isabelle shared her experience with what she initially thought was a tummy bug. “I don’t use this platform for sympathy but rather awareness,” she wrote. “With what I thought was a tummy bug, I pushed through 48 hours of pain until I couldn’t take it anymore.”
She admitted that she could have been embarrassed if she had been sent home with gastro, but she decided to listen to her body and get checked. “I can be a cry baby with pain but I knew in my gut (lol) something wasn’t right,” she added.
The Diagnosis
Isabelle revealed that she had a large ovarian cyst which had burst, leading to an infected appendix. This diagnosis was a shock, but she has since undergone surgery and is now recovering. “Thank god for amazing nurses, a job I could never do yet admire so highly,” she wrote.
An image shared on her Instagram showed Isabelle post-surgery, with incisions across her abdomen covered with dressings. 
Support from Fellow Goggleboxers
Fellow former Goggleboxer Angie Kent expressed her support for Isabelle, sending her “love and healing vibes.” In response, Isabelle mentioned that Angie knows all too well about laparoscopies. Indeed, Angie had been open about her own medical journey.
Angie, who appeared on Gogglebox between 2015 and 2018 alongside her best friend Yvie, had shared her experiences with endometriosis and IVF. “What was meant to be a ‘check and tidy up’ turned into advanced endometriosis, adhesions, cysts, a fibroid and significant inflammation being found and removed,” she wrote in an Instagram post.
The Importance of Advocacy
“[This surgery] wasn’t about perfection before embryo transfer. It was about improving conditions. Reducing inflammation. Giving my first embryo the best possible environment,” she explained. “There are no guarantees in IVF. But there is power in information. And there is power in advocating for specialist care.”
Angie emphasized the importance of investigating symptoms, especially before embryo transfer or after IVF. “If you have chronic ‘invisible’ symptoms, or even suspect something isn’t right… please investigate properly,” she urged.
She also highlighted that endometriosis can exist even when scans look normal. “I’m sharing lived experience, supported by incredible specialists I’ve cultivated over the many years of searching for answers!” she said.
A Message of Hope
Angie concluded her post with a message of hope. “Women deserve more than being dismissed. I’m healing now. Slowly. Gently. With hope. A fresh womb. And 14 embryos waiting.”
Isabelle’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of listening to one’s body and seeking proper medical attention. Her courage and openness have inspired many, highlighting the strength and resilience of those facing health challenges. 
