The Voice UK presenter Emma Willis underwent keyhole heart surgery in early 2025 after discovering she had unknowingly lived with a congenital hole in her heart and an enlarged side for 48 years. The 50-year-old revealed the news after routine health checks and an MRI showed an enlarged heart, which led a cardiologist to find the congenital defect.
Recovery and hospital care
Willis, a mother of three, had a successful keyhole procedure at the Royal Brompton Hospital. While her physical healing went smoothly, she noted that adjusting psychologically to the internal heart changes took time. She has since recovered well with the support of her husband, Matt Willis.
Sharing hospital photos on Instagram, Willis thanked the Royal Brompton team and named several staff members, including Dr Alexander Lyon, Professor Wei Li, and her surgeon, Dr Ee Ling Heng. She wrote: “A big humungous THANK YOU to the team at the Royal Brompton Hospital for their care and support. A few weeks ago, I had keyhole heart surgery, which feels very strange to write, and even stranger when I say it out loud.”
Return to screens and awareness work
Willis returns to screens tonight (Saturday, August 22) to present the latest series of the ITV singing competition, with Kelly Rowland joining as a coach alongside Sir Tom Jones, will.i.am, and duo Danny Jones and Tom Fletcher. She will also host Strictly Come Dancing when it returns to BBC One next month.
Willis has partnered with the British Heart Foundation to raise awareness for cardiovascular conditions. The Voice UK airs at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX, while Strictly Come Dancing begins next month on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
