Bernadine Oliver-Kerby takes extended leave from The AM Show following health diagnosis

Bernadine Oliver-Kerby's colleagues have revealed she's taking an extended period of sick leave to focus on her health following a shock diagnosis.

The AM Show newsreader - who has been noticeably absent from the show recently - has been diagnosed with Bell's palsy.

Hosts Melissa Chan-Green and Ryan Bridge revealed Oliver-Kerby was experiencing facial paralysis on one side of her face.

"You may have noticed that our lovely Bernadine has been absent from the show for a while now. Bern is going to be taking an extended period of sick leave after experiencing facial paralysis on one side of her face due to Bell's palsy," shared Green.

"Bernadine can't wait to reunite with the team, with us and with you at home, the AM viewers and with the rest of the recovery now her main priority," continued Bridge.

Bridge also noted that Oliver-Kerby was extremely grateful to the team at Auckland Hospital who "took such great care of her".

Bell's palsy, also known as facial palsy, is the sudden onset of paralysis of one of the facial nerves.

Southern Cross NZ describes the symptoms as being "muscle weakness on one side of the face, causing the face to droop".

"Bell's palsy can affect anyone. Its annual incidence is 2 to 3 people per 10,000 of the population, and this is thought to be similar across all ethnic groups and between men and women. Pregnant women and people with diabetes have an increased risk."

If you think you might be suffering from Bell's palsy you should urgently seek help from your healthcare provider.