Illuminated

All the things I left unsaid…

Melanie Sykes has been a face on our screens, a voice on our radios for nearly thirty years. As a presenter and broadcaster people turned to her for her humour, her honesty and insight. But between all the interviews and chat shows, is a life unseen, a story unsaid.

Her journey – from up north to down south, from Manchester to LA and via London, Paris and India, and through the eye of the storm of celebrity culture is a rollercoaster ride. Sex, drugs and rock and roll, certainly, but also brass bands and ice cream vans, broken hearts and healing adventures – a search not for fame but for freedom.

Her autism diagnosis in midlife has supercharged that journey – and means this isn’t a story just of breakdown, but of breakthrough. Funny, furious and gloriously frank, this is a book that lifts the lid on being a woman in the media, navigating relationships, and being a neurodivergent person speaking up in a neurotypical world. Illuminated is Melanie, in her own inimitable voice.

Reviews

‘Wonderful … a life worth telling’ Graham Norton

‘An amazing book … a fantastic read … brave, breathless and fun’ Chris Evans

About the author

Melanie Sykes is editor in chief of Frank magazine, an autism advocate and campaigner for women’s rights. After a career that began in modelling she moved to TV and radio, where she became one of the nation’s best loved presenters and interviewers. Following her autism and ADHD diagnosis, Melanie works to promote awareness and inclusion on issues around neurodiversity in a neurotypical world, Melanie also speaks on green issues and medicinal cannabis, as well as working with a community women’s charity.