Television presenter Emma Willis recently opened up about her unexpected diagnosis of a hole in her heart, a condition she learned she had lived with since birth. In a candid discussion, she described the moment she received the news and the profound impact it had on her life.
A Shocking Discovery
In April 2025, Willis, aged 48, revealed that she underwent surgery to address her congenital heart defect at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London. The surgery, which utilized keyhole techniques, allowed her to avoid the complications associated with traditional open-heart procedures. As a result, her recovery was notably smoother.
Reflecting on her diagnosis, Willis expressed her astonishment at having lived unaware of her condition for nearly five decades. “I was floored as I had gone 48 years oblivious, not knowing anything was wrong,” she said. The psychological toll of the news was significant, as she described the moment as “terrifying.” Willis hopes that by sharing her experience, she can provide comfort and guidance to others facing similar health challenges.
Raising Awareness for Heart Health
Willis has become an advocate for the British Heart Foundation (BHF), participating in a campaign to enhance awareness of heart conditions. The BHF is launching an initiative involving the installation of 65 red benches across the UK, symbolizing each year of its operation and honoring those affected by cardiovascular diseases.
During an appearance on ITV‘s talk show, Lorraine, Willis discussed the long-lasting effects of her surgery. Host Lorraine Kelly highlighted the importance of Willis’s online updates during her recovery. “We were worried about you, obviously, but the best thing you did was to put that online so people could see you were going through this heart operation, but you were okay!” Kelly remarked.
Willis acknowledged the support she received online and expressed gratitude for the medical team that cared for her. “Thank you for the kindness online. I genuinely just wanted to thank the hospital; they had been so amazing,” she stated. She also noted that many individuals shared similar experiences, often revealing their own heart issues only after significant health events.
Her journey to diagnosis began with a routine health check-up. “I found out in January—I’ve had it my whole life,” Willis explained. Following her doctor’s advice, she underwent further examinations, including an MRI, which revealed an enlarged heart chamber. “I’ve got a metal plug in it, and it’s ticking still, which is great,” she added, highlighting the successful outcome of her surgery.
Despite the physical success of her surgery, Willis admitted to experiencing “terrible anxiety” in the wake of her diagnosis. She described the emotional challenges of coming to terms with having a lifelong heart condition that was previously undetected. “It’s been much more of a psychological adjustment because you don’t have a wound that you can see. The healing is all internal, and you can’t feel it,” she remarked.
As she navigates her recovery, Willis continues to advocate for heart health awareness, emphasizing the importance of regular check-ups and the value of sharing personal stories to inspire others facing similar health concerns.
