The Chase star Jenny Ryan, known as 'The Vixen', has revealed she underwent secret surgery on her thyroid gland last month. The operation came after the gland grew so large it "started causing some problems", leading to its removal. Ryan assured fans she is recovering well, stating: "I'm fine. Surgery was all good and the consultant was very happy. My voice still works and it's healing nicely."
Behind the Scenes: From Temp Jobs to Quiz Show Success
Ryan joined The Chase in 2015, but her connection to the show dates back to 2009 when she wrote questions for the pilot episode. The journey to becoming a chaser was lengthy, involving over a year of tests and try-outs, during which she held various jobs. She previously said: "At the time, I was essentially a temp, so I was doing a lot of different admin jobs all around the northwest. I was a PA, I was selling radiators, I was working admin at a tip."
Before her TV career, Ryan worked as a writer but found the work too seasonal to sustain. Her quizzing background eventually led her to the show that made her famous.
Love Life and Professional Collaborations
Ryan is in a long-term relationship with actor Thom Tuck, who has appeared in programmes such as The Crown, Fresh Meat, and Babylon, as well as stage productions like Death of A Salesman and Three Sisters. Tuck was also nominated for Best Newcomer at the Edinburgh Fringe for his show Thom Tuck Goes Straight-to-DVD, which was later picked up by BBC Radio.
The couple have worked together professionally, starring in a pantomime version of Sleeping Beauty at the Wyvern Theatre in 2025, with Ryan as the Wicked Fairy Carabosse and Tuck as King Keir. They also appeared on Celebrity Escape To The Country in 2023, revealing plans to move from urban life to the countryside near Ryan's hometown of Bolton, with a relocation budget of £850,000.
Weight Loss and Public Reaction
Ryan has reportedly lost around ten stone in recent years through lifestyle changes. However, in November 2021, she took to X (formerly Twitter) to express frustration after a GP call. She wrote: "Isn't modern life great? Your GP can now fat-shame you over the phone, so you don't have to waste time travelling and sitting in a waiting room before being made to feel awful about your own existence!"
She later shared the doctor's comments, which included: "Do you know your current weight? ... Oh... That's *significantly* lower than last time, well done. Not good enough though, is it?"
Following her surgery announcement, fans offered support, with one commenting: "So glad you're ok and happy to hear your voice is fine. All the best." Another reassured: "Scar will fade Jenny. I had my thyroid removed when I was in my 30s and you can hardly see it now."
The Chase Around The World airs every Thursday at 9pm on ITV1.
