TV presenter Emma Willis has candidly shared how a shock diagnosis of a hidden heart condition led to secret surgery earlier this year, leaving her not only physically shaken but mentally overwhelmed.
The 49-year-old revealed last month that she underwent keyhole heart surgery after doctors uncovered an undiagnosed condition she had unknowingly lived with her entire life. Speaking to The Sun, Emma recalled the moment she learned of her condition, explaining that the discovery had left her reeling.
“It’s a bit of a head scramble when you find out something like that, that you’ve had something there your whole life, and you had no idea about it,” she said.
Known for her upbeat demeanour while hosting shows such as The Voice and Big Brother, Emma admitted that beneath her composed exterior, the diagnosis had caused her immense anxiety.
“I’m a brilliant overthinker, and my mind will go in every possible direction and scenario,” she confessed. “So going into something like surgery, I really got myself at it. I get really anxious and nervous.”
Fortunately, the operation was minimally invasive, meaning her chest did not need to be opened. While her physical recovery has gone smoothly, Emma admits that the emotional and psychological toll has proven far harder to navigate.
“It’s been much more of a psychological adjustment, because you don’t have a wound you can see,” she explained. “The healing is all internal, and you can’t feel it. It’s getting your head around the fact that your heart has to learn how to work in a different way to how it’s worked for nearly half a century.”
Emma’s husband, Busted musician Matt Willis, 41, has been by her side throughout the ordeal. She praised him for supporting her through the emotional rollercoaster of recovery.
“Matt’s been amazing, coaching me through breathwork and wellness to help me focus and stay calm.”
Emma first revealed her health scare in April but has now spoken openly about the extent of its emotional impact for the first time. Despite the daunting experience, the presenter remains optimistic about her future and is preparing to return to television.
She will soon front a new BBC One series alongside her husband called Change Your Mind, Change Your Life, which is set to air from May 13. The four-part series, filmed before her surgery, explores issues surrounding mental health and the modern-day challenges people face in today’s fast-paced world.
The project holds special significance for both Emma and Matt, who have each spoken candidly about personal struggles in the past; Matt has been open about his battles with addiction and mental health. The series will see the couple team up with mental health professionals to offer insight into emotional wellbeing, drawing on their own experiences.
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Emma expressed that her journey over the last few months has given her a deeper understanding of the invisible battles many people face, saying it has inspired her to prioritise her mental and physical health moving forward.
“When you go through something like this, it makes you realise just how important it is to look after yourself from the inside out,” she said.
Fans have shared an outpouring of support for the presenter, praising her openness about a topic often left unspoken.
With her recovery continuing and her return to television on the horizon, Emma says she’s looking forward to embracing the next chapter — both with gratitude for her health and a renewed focus on the importance of emotional wellbeing.
