British TV presenter Emma Willis has opened up about a hidden health battle that left her reeling, revealing she secretly underwent keyhole heart surgery earlier this year after doctors uncovered a congenital hole in her heart she had lived with unknowingly for 48 years. The former Big Brother and The Voice UK host, 49, shared the startling news in an emotional Instagram post in April 2025, thanking the medical team that “fixed” her and praising her husband, Busted singer Matt Willis, for his unwavering support during the toughest moments.

The diagnosis came as a complete surprise to Emma, who described herself as having been “blissfully unaware” of the atrial septal defect (ASD) – a condition present from birth where there’s an opening between the heart’s upper chambers. Investigations began last year following routine checks, initially prompted by concerns over high cholesterol and an enlarged heart. What started as standard scans quickly escalated to a bombshell revelation that required surgical intervention at London’s prestigious Royal Brompton Hospital.

In her candid post, accompanied by hospital photos including one of her leaning on Matt for support, Emma wrote: “A few weeks ago, I had keyhole heart surgery, which feels very strange to write, and even stranger when I say it out loud. From investigations last year, to diagnosis and then surgery, they were absolutely incredible. As was @mattjwillis who never left my side.” She went on to marvel at the “bonkers” realities of the human body and the miracles of modern medicine, personally naming surgeons, doctors, and nurses who guided her through the process.

Keyhole surgery, a minimally invasive technique pioneered at facilities like the Royal Brompton, involves small chest incisions rather than cracking open the breastbone, leading to quicker recovery and fewer complications compared to traditional open-heart procedures. Experts note that many ASD cases go undetected for decades, especially if symptoms are mild or absent – though potential warning signs can include palpitations, fatigue, or breathlessness. Emma later admitted she had experienced occasional heart palpitations throughout her life but dismissed them as hormonal or insignificant.

The psychological impact proved as challenging as the physical one for the busy mum-of-three. In follow-up interviews, Emma described the recovery as a “head scramble,” explaining: “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. It’s getting your head around the fact that your heart has to learn how to work in a different way to how it’s worked for nearly half a century.” She confessed to battling “terrible anxiety” leading up to the operation, with her overthinking mind racing through worst-case scenarios.

Through it all, Matt Willis, 42, emerged as her rock. The couple, who met in 2004 when Emma was an MTV presenter and Matt was rising to fame with Busted, have weathered their share of storms over two decades – including Matt’s well-documented struggles with addiction and mental health. This time, roles reversed, with Matt coaching Emma through breath work and wellness practices during recovery. In a joint interview months later, Matt shared how he stepped up at home while Emma rested, though he joked she wasn’t great at “sitting still.” Emma, now fully recovered, added: “I’m all good now. I had a bit of time off.”

The pair, parents to Isabelle, 16, Ace, 14, and Trixie, 9, have long been open about their relationship’s strengths, crediting therapy, compromise, and prioritizing each other amid demanding careers. They recently returned to screens co-hosting Netflix’s Love Is Blind: UK for its second season and a BBC mental health series, Change Your Mind, Change Your Life – projects that highlight their bond and resilience.

Emma’s first public appearance post-surgery came just days after her reveal, looking radiant alongside Matt at a BAFTA nominees’ party. She later reflected on her “lucky” escape, noting conversations with others who discovered similar defects only after serious events like strokes. Her story has resonated widely, sparking discussions on hidden heart conditions and the importance of routine check-ups.

Celebrity friends flooded her post with support, from Olly Murs and Judi Love to Jools Oliver and Charlotte Hawkins. Fans echoed the sentiment, praising Emma’s vulnerability and Matt’s devotion as a reminder that true partnership shines in quiet presence, not grand gestures.

As Emma puts it, the experience underscored life’s fragility and the quiet heroes – from medical staff to loved ones – who stand firm in crisis. Now back to her energetic self, the presenter continues to balance family, hosting duties, and advocacy, proving that behind the on-screen smiles, strength often comes from silent battles fought together.