The Only Way is Essex couple Clelia Theodorou and Tommy Cole rush their baby daughter to hospital

The Only Way Is Essex stars' daughter, Cielo, is suffering from croup.

Clelia - who, with Tommy, welcomed the tot in September 2023 - took to her Instagram Stories on Tuesday (November 25) and penned: "Croup strikes again. Another A+E trip for my angel. She's such a trooper though."

The star wrote the caption over a black-and-white photo of Cielo asleep with a dummy in her mouth in a car seat as she was taken to hospital.

According to the National Health Service (NHS), croup is a "common condition that mainly affects babies' and young children's airways". It is an infection of the upper airway that becomes narrow, making it harder for an individual to breathe.

People suffering from it can have symptoms, including a barking seal-like cough, hoarseness, as well as a high-pitched, rasping sound called stridor when the affected individual breathes in.

It's usually mild, but it's important to call NHS 111 or see a GP if you think your child has croup. This is because they may need treatment. Croup usually gets better on its own within 48 hours.

But, people are advised to call 999 or go to A&E if their child has any of the following symptoms: is struggling to breathe, has blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue, is sleepier than normal or difficult to wake, is unusually quiet and stil, is limp, floppy or not responding like they normally do, is very upset or restless, is having difficulty breathing and can't be calmed down or is unwell and drooling more than they normally do, finding it hard to swallow, or wants to sit rather than lie down.

30-year-old Clelia gave birth to Cielo months after a horror car crash - which claimed the life of the star’s mum - at the end of May 2023.

The TV personality broke both her legs and feet, and was hospitalised with her injuries. She underwent three surgeries, and a fourth is planned.

At the time, Clelia wrote on social media: "My reality - pregnant, two broken legs and two broken feet. Broke more bones than I even knew you had in your feet and I'll forever be setting off metal detectors at airports.

"Three surgeries later the healing process is going well. It's a long, slow process, but I'm getting there.

"I still have another surgery to get through and there have been hard some pushbacks, unforeseen delays and a lot of pain along the way but the main thing is our little baby is battling through it with me, keeping me going each day, making me more determined and giving me so much strength, more than I ever I thought I would have in a situation as difficult as this. (sic)"

And four months later, in September 2023, Tommy, 35, announced Cielo's arrival on Instagram.

He wrote: "The moment we were desperately waiting for came 2 weeks and 2 days early on September 16th 2023 at 6.53pm and we couldn't be happier. Mummy and Daddy's little miracle, Cielo Elizabeth Cole decided enough was enough and she was ready to meet us!

"The respect I have for @cleliatheodorou is immense. She managed to deliver her naturally with just gas and air in just a few hours. A real life superwoman. Both Mum and Baby are doing so well. (sic)"