Strictly Come Dancing presenter Emma Willis has revealed she was rushed to A&E after suddenly collapsing while gaining hands-on experience during the filming of her medical documentary.
The presenter, who has now taken on one of the biggest roles on British television as co-host of Strictly Come Dancing, opened up about the unexpected incident while chatting to Tom Allen on his latest Pottering podcast.
Medical background
Emma explained that her interest in medicine had been shaped by her mother, who worked for the NHS. Emma said she had always imagined she might eventually work in a hospital environment and trained as a maternity care assistant while filming Emma Willis: Delivering Babies, which aired in 2018.
Her mother had previously worked as an auxiliary on a maternity ward before becoming a theatre assistant, meaning Emma had been familiar with hospitals from a young age.
Collapse during filming
But despite being comfortable around medical procedures, Emma admitted there was one occasion when it all became too much. She explained that while filming the first series, she would continue working full shifts when the cameras weren't rolling, with a member of staff helping her gain experience in different areas.
One day, she was invited to observe a post-birth repair in theatre. Emma recalled being keen to see the procedure because it was something she had not witnessed before. However, as she watched, she began feeling increasingly unwell. She began to feel faint and told a member of staff: “Oh, I'm not sure. I don't feel okay.”
Recovery and aftermath
Staff quickly realised what was happening and helped her towards the theatre's back door. Emma said she then collapsed just outside. Sarah, who was with her, apparently saw her lose consciousness and helped lower her to the floor. When Emma regained consciousness, she was confused about where she was.
Emma recalled waking up on the floor and being confronted with a particularly strange sight. She said: "I woke up and, funnily enough, the first thing I saw was a pair of Crocs. I remember it as clear as day when I was out. I was at school picking my daughter up. When I came around, I was like, 'What am I doing here? I thought I was at school picking my daughter up. Why am I in a hospital? Why am I looking at Crocs? Why am I on the floor?' And then it all kind of came back."
As reality returned, Emma realised she was actually in hospital and had passed out. The incident meant she had to undergo further checks, including blood tests and an ECG, before being allowed to go home. She was also accompanied home by a runner in case she lost consciousness again.
Looking back, Emma admitted she was extremely embarrassed by what had happened. “I was mortified,” she told Tom. However, she said those around her weren't quite as sympathetic as she might have hoped. “But I tell you what, they all bloody laughed at me,” she added.
Strictly role
Emma's medical training came several years before she stepped into another major television role. She is now one of the new faces of Strictly Come Dancing, joining comedian Josh Widdicombe and former professional dancer Johannes Radebe as the show's presenting trio for its 2026 series.
The three presenters replaced long-time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, with the new line-up taking over when the BBC dance show returned in September. Emma's move to Strictly marks another major chapter in a television career that has also seen her present shows including The Voice and Big Brother.
