**Rachael Ray Sparks Health Concerns After Rare Public Appearance Ahead of Major TV Return**
*Published: October 16, 2025, 6:39 p.m. ET*
Rachael Ray has sparked worry among fans after being photographed during a rare public outing, looking noticeably different and fueling new concerns about her health, RadarOnline.com can reveal. The 57-year-old *Meals in Minutes* star has faced ongoing speculation about a possible serious medical condition, even as she prepares for a major return to television with a groundbreaking new deal.
**Rare Public Sighting**
Ray was spotted entering a taping for Drew Barrymore’s daytime talk show in Midtown Manhattan on Wednesday, October 15. The episode is scheduled to air on Friday, October 17.
Fans and onlookers noted that the quick and easy recipe expert’s face appeared heavily bloated and somewhat flushed. Ray wore minimal makeup apart from bright lipstick, large glasses, and did not smile during the appearance. For the outing, she chose slim-fitting brown pants paired with an oversized brown leather jacket that concealed much of her upper body.
This marked one of the first times Ray has been seen in public in quite a while. Since her daytime TV show ended in 2023, she has become more reclusive following her move to Italy.
**Fan Concerns Over Health**
Ray’s altered physical appearance did not go unnoticed when she shared clips from two new upcoming *Meals in Minutes* episodes on Monday, October 13. In the videos, she appeared nearly makeup-free, a contrast to August clips where she looked more polished and camera-ready.
“Doing what I do best, making restaurant-worthy meals without the restaurant prices (or the outfit stress). Tune in Monday for more spicy kitchen chaos, lemon juice hacks, back pats and John banging the dinner bell when it’s time to grub!” she told fans, promoting the new episodes that will air on FYI and stream on Hulu.
Comments from concerned fans flooded the posts:
– “Wow, I almost didn’t recognize her. I have not seen her in a while,” one user said.
– Another added, “I hope she gets help for whatever she is going through. She does not look well.”
– A third fan noted, “Whatever she is dealing with does not discount her years of being amazing and still teaching us stuff. Thank you, Rachael!”
– And a fourth shared, “I missed your shows! I guess we all have changed, and you look so different, but your food looks so, so good as I remembered!!”
**Reports of Erratic Behavior**
Concerns about Ray’s wellbeing have been growing for months. In July, she made headlines due to unusual behavior during a New York City fan meet-and-greet and bottle signing event for her Staple Gin brand.
“She was acting strange and touchy-feely with the guests as she handed them baseball caps and bottles of her gin,” a source revealed. “She talked with everyone and gave out hugs freely, whether they wanted them or not.”
“It was the middle of the day and hours before cocktail time, but Rachael seemed to be buzzing. She was really on a roll.”
Earlier in May, worries intensified after Ray appeared to slur her words in a now-viral cooking video. This followed her admission in 2024 that she had suffered “a couple of bad falls.”
**A Closer Look from Insiders**
“Those close to Rachael are so concerned,” an insider shared at the time of the concerning video footage. “She has shut people out and lives a very secluded life. She seems lost, and when anyone reaches out to her, she doesn’t respond.”
The insider also commented on her changed appearance: “She was always so meticulous about her appearance, and it is very telling and concerning that she now just doesn’t care. It is indicative of a bigger issue.”
**A Major Television Comeback**
Despite the concerns, fans can expect to see a lot more of Ray in the near future. On Thursday, October 17, she announced that her Free Food Studios will produce 110 new episodes of her *Meals in Minutes* and *Rachael Ray in Tuscany* shows.
These new episodes will air on A&E and FYI cable channels, as well as feature on A+E Global Media’s Home.Made.Nation lifestyle brand.
With this massive new deal, Rachael Ray is set to make a significant return to television, bringing her signature easy-to-make recipes and vibrant personality back to screens worldwide.
https://radaronline.com/p/rachael-ray-health-fears-looks-unrecognizable-rare-outing/