PICTURES of TV presenter Gail Porter with an almost bald head will prompt feelings of empathy in a surprising number of local homes.

Baldness among women appears to be on the increase, with stressful modern lifestyles identified as the main culprit.

Gail, aged 34, has had a child, her marriage has broken down and she has attempted suicide, all during the last couple of years and, as they say, somethings gotta give.

As someone who spent much of her teens suffering from alopecia, including a head as bald as Gail's, I can tell you that hair problems rob you of your femininity and diminish your confidence.

The only bright spot in all this is that these days anything goes in what you have on your head, even if it's an absence of hair.

I do hope that Gail sorts out her life, and her hair, very soon for the sake of her future well-being. Currently, she does not look a happy lady.