In late April 2025, British television presenter Emma Willis publicly revealed that she had recently undergone heart surgery. The announcement, shared via her Instagram account, came as a surprise to many. Willis, known for hosting Big Brother, The Voice UK, Love Is Blind: UK, and Emma Willis: Delivering Babies, has long been a constant and trusted presence on UK screens.
Her revelation immediately drew public attention. It wasn’t just the news itself—it was the timing. The statement came just weeks before the scheduled launch of Change Your Mind, Change Your Life, a new television series she co-hosts with her husband Matt Willis. This overlap of a private medical journey and a public-facing career raised questions: What happened? How serious was it? And what does it mean for her work?
Medical facts: details of Emma Willis’s heart surgery
Emma Willis underwent keyhole heart surgery—a minimally invasive procedure—at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London. The operation took place in late March or early April 2025, just a few weeks before her public announcement on April 23–24. In her own words, the condition had gone completely undetected for 48 years.
Doctors discovered a congenital heart defect, specifically a hole in the heart (a form of atrial septal defect). Willis had no idea the condition existed. The diagnosis came after targeted cardiac investigations began in 2024. Routine checkups hadn’t picked it up—only detailed scans, prompted by subtle health concerns, brought it to light. She described the discovery as “bonkers,” reflecting her surprise that such a serious defect had gone unnoticed for so long.
The surgery was done using endoscopic techniques—small incisions instead of the traditional sternotomy. This method typically results in less pain, shorter recovery time, and fewer complications. That’s particularly relevant in Willis’s case: her job involves filming schedules, live events, and extensive travel. A faster recovery meant a smoother path back to work.
Willis turned 49 in March 2025, shortly before the procedure. This timing adds context—she lived nearly five decades with no knowledge of the defect. The surgery was corrective, not emergency. She acted on the diagnosis quickly, following the advice of her medical team.
Emma Willis’s public statement and gratitude
Emma Willis broke the news herself on Instagram on April 23–24, 2025, sharing a detailed post accompanied by hospital photos. In the images, she’s seen in a gown, connected to monitors, and leaning on her husband, Matt Willis. The tone of her message was direct, personal, and full of gratitude.
She described the discovery of the heart defect as surreal: “Isn’t it bonkers what’s happening in our bodies that we have no idea about…” That disbelief quickly gave way to appreciation. She thanked the entire medical team at Royal Brompton Hospital, not just in general terms but by name.
Among those she credited:
- Dr. Alexander Lyon, the cardiologist who initiated the investigations.
- Professor Wei Li, who performed the echocardiogram.
- Anaesthetists Catrina, Carl, and Tim.
- Monitoring staff Marcus, Janet, Jayne, Hannah, and Reem.
- Ward nurse Paulette, known for her support and conversations.
- And most notably, Dr. Ee Ling Heng, her surgeon, whom she called “a spectacular pair of hands” and praised for her warmth, patience, and clarity.
She also highlighted the emotional side of the experience. Writing about it felt “very strange,” she said—but necessary. She wanted to share the story honestly. Not as a dramatic episode, but as a moment of vulnerability handled with professionalism and care.
Throughout the post, one presence stood out: Matt Willis. Emma made it clear he was by her side the entire time. She didn’t just mention his support—she emphasized it. “He never left my side.” That comment gained added significance in light of their upcoming joint project on therapy and emotional resilience.
She closed the message by praising modern medicine and calling healthcare workers the “real superstars”—a sentiment that struck a chord with many of her followers.
