Earlier this week she sparked concern with tweets about her dad, and Maria Fowler has given fans an update on his progress.
The 29-year-old took to Twitter to express her heartbreak after father suffered a stroke, telling her followers not to take anything for granted.
Former TOWIE star Maria explained: “I know a lot of people have been asking, my dad had a stroke yesterday… it’s absolutely devastated and broken our hearts…
“He is in hospital and today has managed to say something, we just need to support him in his recovery and pray he is ok… [sic].”
Maria, who left the ITVBe reality show in 2011, later posted a lengthy message in which she again stressed the importance of appreciating your family.
She wrote: “I am very close to my family and always appreciate them but please everyone never ever take your loved ones for granted you never know what’s around the corner and never forget to tell them you love them. Deep but true xx [sic].”
Thankfully it seems Maria’s dad is on the mend, and she continued: “He is mentally and vocally back to being his old self, physically his top half he is almost OK although he isn’t walking properly yet and can’t stand up by himself [sic].”
It’s not the first time Maria has been affected by a sick parent. In 2014 she shared photos of her mum Trudy’s recovery from aggressive breast cancer.
The snap, posted to Twitter was to raise cancer awareness, and revealed Trudy’s reconstruction scars.
Maria later added: “My mum said she hopes her picture gives hope to anyone fighting against cancer who may be feeling desolate.”
Our thoughts are with Maria and her family during this difficult time, and we’re wishing her dad a speedy recovery.