Sam Faiers' Christmas was ruined by a nasty illness amid the voice note drama surrounding her ex BFF Ferne McCann.
The mum-of-three, 31, apologised to fans for being quiet on social media during the festive season as she revealed she'd been suffering from a severe bout of flu.
Taking to Instagram to share a picture of a festively decorated table, strewn with flowers and candles, she said: “Hey, I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. I’ve been quiet on here as I was struck down with the worst possible flu you can imagine.
“After eight days today I’m starting to feel a bit better. So upset it happened over my favourite week of the entire year.
“Anyway, I’m just so happy I’m on the mend.”
Sam's fans flocked to support her as they wished the TV star a speedy recovery.
The TOWIE star's post came as former pal Ferne, 32, chose to celebrate Christmas in Devon after a series of voice notes of her allegedly insulting Sam were leaked.
The First Time Mum star shared snaps from a cosy cottage along with her daughter Sunday and fiance Lorrie Haines.
Ferne captioned the snaps: "Merry Christmas from our family to yours. We have escaped & enjoying our first Christmas together @lozzahaines at my favourite place in Devon.
"Sending love to everyone who is feeling festive with their loved ones and to those who are not feeling so festive & who are struggling today for whatever reason."
Sam was said to be reeling after the voice notes reportedly made by Ferne were leaked.
The former friends' friendship was put under serious strain when it was claimed Ferne had criticised Sam's weight and called her former co-star a 'narcissistic b***h', according to a viral social media post.
The saga is said to have caused a deep divide between the girls, particularly as Sam's sister Billie and her husband used to go on holiday with Ferne and her family.
Ferne was also accused of sending a 'disgusting' voice note about her ex-boyfriend Arthur Collins' acid attack victim, Sophie Hall.
The reality star has since admitted to saying 'things that are untrue' - but only did so 'out of fear' - after the anonymous Instagram account accused her of being the voice behind the shocking recording.
In a statement released on Instagram, Ferne said: "I am aware that people will have a number of questions about the voice messages being put into the public domain and purportedly sent by me.
"I want to apologise to all the victims of Arthur Collins abhorrent actions in 2017 that they have to relive that night and the pain that followed because this matter is again in the public domain. In particular I want to apologise to Sophie Hall. I do not believe her to be ugly or stupid. She has been brave beyond belief."
* Follow Mirror Celebs on Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
