Loose Women panellist Andrea McLean has announced that she is taking time away from Loose Women due to personal health reasons.
Andrea revealed during the ITV lunchtime panel show that this would be her last for a while.
She then went on to say that she has opted for a hysterectomy following personal health issues.
It was at the end of a segment in which the Loose Women panellists had been discussing whether men are open enough with their partners about health issues, that Andrea broke her news.
She said that she had discussed the implications of the operation fully with doctors, though did not state as to whether she was having all of her womb removed.
Andrea announced: “Just to let you know, don’t worry if you don’t see me for the next month or so.
“I’m actually going to be at home convalescing, as I’m having a hysterectomy tomorrow.”
The 46-year-old is no stranger to being open about her health issues.
Previously she has opened up about a breast cancer scare and her battle with post-natal depression.
She spoke out about why she was having hysterectomy: “Lots of personal reasons for that, I did go to the doctors about it.”
This prompted her fellow panellist, Saira Khan, to give her a warm hug, before continuing: “I will be at home watching you guys but that’s where I will be just in case you are wondering.”
Viewers were quick to swamp social media with messages of support and best wishes…
Andrea also posted her thanks for the gifts she had received from her fellow Loose Women panellists.
Previously, Andrea revealed how she fought post-natal depression: “I had postnatal depression for two years before I finally went to the doctors. It’s something I suffered from and hid.
“Now what’s really interesting is we’re all really talkative women and I’ve been working on this show for nine years now and I had it while I was on this show.
“A lot of people obviously see me and I’ve been in hair and makeup and I’m all professional and I do my job smiling, interacting, being interested and engaged but what I was doing was literally sobbing all the way home.”
We wish Andrea a speedy recovery.