Emma Willis has opened up about the frightening discovery that led to her undergoing heart surgery earlier this year. The beloved 49-year-old presenter had visited her doctor in January due to an increase in heart palpitations—only to find out she had unknowingly lived her entire life with a hole in her heart.
Describing the revelation as “really bizarre,” Emma underwent keyhole surgery in March at London’s Royal Brompton Hospital to have a small metal device fitted and seal the defect. The news was kept private until she shared her diagnosis in an emotional Instagram post weeks later.
Speaking on Heart Breakfast with Amanda Holden and Jamie Theakston, Emma explained how the hole had gone undetected for decades, and was only discovered when she was referred to a cardiologist because of high cholesterol.
The recovery has been more psychological than physical. “You don’t have a wound you can see. The healing is all internal and you can’t feel it,” she said. “It’s a bit of a head scramble… I got really anxious and nervous before the surgery.”
Thankfully, her husband Matt Willis, 41, supported her throughout, helping her manage anxiety through breathwork and mindfulness. The couple returned to screens last month in the BBC documentary Change Your Mind, Change Your Life, where they explore mental health and therapy—something they both credit for strengthening their relationship.
