Emma Willis underwent keyhole heart surgery after doctors found a hole in her heart, the TV star has revealed.
Presenter Emma, 49, shared her health news on Instagram yesterday (Wednesday April 23) evening, uploading a carousel of photos showing her in hospital following the procedure a few weeks ago.
She explained it was discovered she has had a hole in her heart since she was born. And so the ex-Big Brother host had surgery at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London.
Emma Willis pays tribute to husband Matt Willis
In a lengthy caption for her Insta post, Emma admitted she had been stunned to receive the news – and that her devoted husband Matt Willis was a constant support for her.
Having thanked hospital staff, she wrote: “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.”
I’ve been pottering around for 48 years blissfully unaware I had a hole in my heart.
Emma continued: “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?”
She went on: “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 superstars.”
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Emma Willis health: TV star’s heart news
Mum-of-three Emma went on to share her gratitude for medics who cared for her and treated her, including the surgeon who operated on her.
She praised Dr Ee Ling Heng as being “so much more” than the “spectacular pair of hands” Dr Heng had been recommended as.
Emma hailed her doctor: “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.
“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.”
Fans and friends react
Scores of celeb pals and followers rapidly offered their best wishes to Emma for her recovery. Many also shared anecdotes of their own personal and family experiences of keyhole surgery.
Among them was I’m A Celebrity’s Giovanna Fletcher, who wrote: “Love you treacle! Strongest of hearts – even when that hole was there! Imagine the strength of your heart now these legends have worked on it!”
This Morning’s Cat Deeley typed: “Sending love. There are some truly wonderful people out there.”
While Davina McCall said: “What a shocker! Thinking of you all and sending you huge healing hugs.”
And Olly Murs wrote: “Awww jeez Emma! glad you’re okay!!”
What is keyhole surgery?
Keyhole heart surgery involves making small incisions in the chest, rather than the breastbone as with traditional open heart surgery.
The surgeon accesses the heart through the incisions, allowing for a less invasive approach. This is done in the hope there will be fewer complications – and a faster recovery time.
Best wishes to Emma!
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