Susan Boyle urged to shield during lockdown because she has Type 2 diabetes

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com 
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Visit Shots! now
Susan Boyle has revealed that she was warned to take the coronavirus lockdown rules seriously and shield due to suffering from Type 2 diabetes.

The Blackburn singer, who turned 60 earlier this month, was told by doctors that she was at high risk of contracting coronavirus because of the condition.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Britain's Got Talent star, who became an overnight sensation after surprising judges at a Glasgow audition with her rendition of I Dreamed a Dream from West End hit Les Misérables, said: "I’ve not been able to do too much. But that will change later, I’m always an optimist.

"I have diabetes so I have tried to stay indoors as much as possible. Catching Covid would not have been a good outcome."

She added: "I was warned, so I’ve not taken any chances."

Despite her medical condition, Susan did venture outside – admitting she found lockdown "tough-going" at times.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"It’s an abnormal situation for everyone. I’ve done my best to stay in but I do go for walks for exercise with my mask on," she said.

"It’s been tough-going.

Diabetes concerns: Susan BoyleDiabetes concerns: Susan Boyle
Diabetes concerns: Susan Boyle

"I’ve had days when I’ve felt low or stuck in a rut, or bored of staring at the same four walls — but everyone’s been in the same boat."

She added: "We’ve not been asked to battle on the frontlines of a war like our parents or grandparents — we’ve been asked to stay at home for the safety of ourselves and everyone else.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"That’s the wee pep talk I give myself if I’m feeling a little low."

Susan said that she spent her 60th birthday on April 1 quietly, with a cup of tea and cake at home with a couple of close friends who are part of her bubble.

She said: "It’s quite a milestone, I’m surprised I’ve reached it.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"When they start sending you things like bus passes you think, ‘Wait a minute.'"

"It’s like any other birthday — exciting," she beamed, not letting the global pandemic spoil it for her.

"There’s not a lot I can do because of Covid but I’ll be planning a party when it’s over."

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

If you haven't already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription.

Related topics:

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.