Emma Willis has lived her whole life with a hole in her heart. The 49-year-old TV presenter recently underwent keyhole heart surgery after the shock diagnosis. A second series of her hit Netflix Show, Love Is Blind: UK which she co-presents with her husband Matt, launched on the streaming platform on Wednesday.
The TV star, who shares three children with Busted’s Matt Willis, returned to screens as a guest presenter on ITV daytime show This Morning alongside Andi Peters. She opened up on her recent health scare after after doctors discovered she had a hole in her heart.
Having undergone keyhole surgery in March, Emma spoke about her experience alongside her surgeon Dr Ee Ling Heng. Emma said: “Last year, I had a bunch of tests, like check ups, and I was told after having an MRI on my heart that I had an enlarged heart on one side and that I should probably get it checked out. “
She continued: “At that point I didn’t react I just kind of went, ‘Oh okay they said it’s probably fine so don’t worry’ so I didn’t worry and I left it.
“And then I eventually saw a cardiologist actually about my cholesterol, not the size of my heart, and that cardiologist said ‘you need to check that out because that’s not right’. So they investigated, found that I had a hole in the heart and then I met Ee Ling Heng, who performed surgery on me.”
The Voice presenter explained she didn’t recognise any symptoms at the time. But looking back, she has now realised she had palpitations which worsened as she got older. She said: “I had palpitations throughout my life intermittently that got worse from about the age of 45.”
Emma still worries about her heart now but is reassured by her surgeon that everything is fine after the surgery, but encourages people to get checked if they experience any symptoms. She is open about her condition and regularly shares updates on social media.
Speaking just after her operation, Emma described the diagnosis as “bonkers” and thanked medical professionals for their support. She said: “A big humungous THANK YOU to the team at the Royal Brompton Hospital for their care and support. A few weeks ago, I had keyhole heart surgery, which feels very strange to write, and even stranger when I say it out loud.
“From investigations last year, to diagnosis and then surgery, they were absolutely incredible. As was @mattjwillis who never left my side. Turns out, I’ve been pottering around for 48 years blissfully unaware I had a hole in my heart isn’t it bonkers what’s happening in our bodies that we have no idea about.
“What blows my mind even more is the wonders of modern medicine, and the spectacular people that save, fix and help us every single day. Can you imagine what it must feel like to have a pair of hands that can do that job?! They are the real superstar…
“A few of those people are Dr Alexander Lyon who investigated like a true super sleuth. Professor Wei Li, echocardiogram extraordinaire. Catrina, Carl and Tim who kept me at ease and humoured me when they were putting me to sleep.
“Marcus, Janet, Jayne, Hannah and Reem who monitored me at various points. Paulette, who was always up for a chat, gave great hugs, and loves a cinnamon slice as much as I do!
“There was a lovely woman with me in recovery but I was so out of it I can’t remember her name (so so sorry ) and my surgeon, Dr Ee Ling Heng… She was recommended as ‘a spectacular pair of hands’, but my god, she’s that and so much more.
“She has an ease and warmth that made me feel instantly comfortable all whilst being incredible professional and informative. I ask a million questions, and she answered them with the patience of a saint
She added: “I knew as soon as we met that she was the woman I wanted poking around in my heart. Thank you Ee Ling, you’re one in a trillion.”