Television presenter Emma Willis has spoken candidly about the shock discovery of a serious, lifelong heart condition that went undiagnosed for nearly five decades.
A Routine Check Reveals a Hidden Problem
The broadcaster, best known for hosting The Voice UK and Big Brother, was "floored" to learn she had been living with a hole in her heart, medically known as an atrial septal defect (ASD). The congenital condition was completely unknown to her until it was picked up during a routine health check in January 2025.
Willis, then 48, had unknowingly had the defect since birth. Just two months after the diagnosis, she underwent a successful keyhole operation at London's Royal Brompton Hospital to close the hole. The minimally invasive procedure has allowed for a strong recovery.
Championing Heart Health Awareness
Now using her platform to help others, Willis is fronting a major new campaign for the British Heart Foundation (BHF). The initiative aims to increase public understanding of heart and circulatory diseases and drum up support for life-saving research.
A central, visual part of the campaign involves the unveiling of 65 distinctive red benches across the United Kingdom. Each bench is dedicated to a survivor of cardiovascular disease, serving as both a celebration of their personal story and a physical prompt to encourage conversations about heart health in communities.
A Personal Story to Inspire Action
By sharing her own "terrifying" diagnosis and treatment journey, Willis hopes to highlight that heart conditions can affect anyone, often without obvious symptoms. Her experience underscores the critical importance of both awareness and medical research.
The presenter's revelation comes as she prepares for a new role hosting a show on BBC Radio 2, marking a fresh chapter in her career following her health scare.
