The Crown's Claire Foy Battled 'Disgusting' Stomach Parasites for 5 Years

The actress believes she contracted the parasites during a trip to Morocco.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Claire Foy, known for her role in the hit series "The Crown", revealed that she battled a "disgusting" stomach parasite infection for five years. The actress believes she contracted the parasites during a trip to Morocco, causing unexplained weight loss and other health issues. Foy was eventually diagnosed with the parasitic infection through medical tests and had to make significant changes to her diet, including giving up caffeine, to treat the condition.

Why it matters

Parasitic infections can be difficult to diagnose and treat, as Foy's experience demonstrates. Her story highlights the potential health risks associated with traveling to certain regions and the importance of seeking medical attention for persistent, unexplained symptoms. Foy's openness about her struggle also helps raise awareness about these types of infections and the challenges they can pose.

The details

Foy said she kept losing weight and was constantly hungry, but didn't know what was causing it. After consulting a doctor, she learned she had a parasitic infection that had been living in her body for at least five years. The doctor told Foy the parasites "travel as a pair" and described the condition as "gross, absolutely rank. It's disgusting." To treat the infection, Foy had to give up caffeine, which was difficult since she consumed "at least 15 cups of tea a day" and two coffees. Even after the parasites were treated, Foy decided to maintain a caffeine-free lifestyle.

  • Foy believes she contracted the parasites during a trip to Morocco.
  • The parasitic infection lasted for approximately five years.

The players

Claire Foy

An English actress known for her role as Queen Elizabeth II in the Netflix series "The Crown".

Brandi Glanville

A former cast member of the reality TV show "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" who also believes she contracted a parasite during a trip to Morocco.

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What they’re saying

“I kept losing weight and I didn't know what was going on. I was just like, 'I'm eating everything.' I was so hungry.”

— Claire Foy, Actress (Table Manners with Jesse and Lennie Ware)

“They travel as a pair. I got told by the doctor, gross, absolutely rank. It's disgusting.”

— Claire Foy, Actress (Table Manners with Jesse and Lennie Ware)

“We had food sitting out for hours on end and some of it was meat. Six months after I got back from Morocco, I started having this speaking thing and the swelling up thing. It started in July and we're still here trying to figure it out.”

— Brandi Glanville, Reality TV Star (Entertainment Tonight)

“I feel like it's s---ing or having babies in my face.”

— Brandi Glanville, Reality TV Star (Entertainment Tonight)

What’s next

Foy's experience highlights the importance of seeking medical attention for persistent, unexplained health issues, especially after traveling to regions where parasitic infections may be more common. Her story may also prompt others to be more vigilant about food safety and hygiene when traveling abroad.

The takeaway

Parasitic infections can be difficult to diagnose and treat, as Foy's five-year battle demonstrates. Her openness about her struggle raises awareness about these types of health issues and the potential risks associated with travel to certain regions. Her story serves as a reminder to be proactive about seeking medical care for unexplained symptoms and to prioritize food safety when traveling.