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Kirsty Gallacher says coronavirus is ‘a lonely illness’.

Kirsty Gallacher says suffering from coronavirus was "lonely".

The 44-year-old TV presenter was diagnosed with Covid-19 earlier this year, and she admitted she felt "very anxious" as she struggled without seeing her sons Oscar, 13, and 10-year-old Jude – who she has with ex-husband Paul Sampson – during her health battle.

She told OK! Magazine: "Yes, I caught the coronavirus and I was really unwell just as we were going into lockdown.

"I was wiped out for a good month and felt very anxious. It’s such a lonely illness when you’re having to stay apart from your children."

Despite the challenges, Kirsty referred to lockdown as a "big reset button" when it came to dealing with her mental health.

She added: "Lockdown has been a really big reset button. I’ve found ways to deal with being by myself, like going for a really long walk or reading.

"I’ve had to deal with that anxiety, and I feel like maybe, touch wood, I’ve cracked that one, which is rather wonderful.

"It’s taken years."

Kirsty also had to figure out how to get back into her fitness regime, which she did at the first opportunity.

She said: "Exercise is vital for my mind and body, so as soon as I felt ready I got back to it.

"My trainer and I have been doing lots of FaceTime sessions.

"I work out three times a week and I love my Wattbike – I’ve got the bug."

Meanwhile, the star has even started to try and re-learn how to apply her makeup after so long stuck at home.

Asked about her beauty regime, she explained: "I’m not really a pampering person, but I miss having sports massages.

"And I’m desperate to put some makeup on. In fact, I tried the other day for TV and thought, ‘I can’t remember what I’m doing!’ I made a meal of it."