Emma Willis, the beloved television presenter, has recently made headlines for multiple reasons, including her health journey and a nostalgic return to co-hosting duties on the popular morning show 'This Morning'. The 49-year-old star revealed that she underwent heart surgery to correct a congenital condition, a revelation that left her feeling "scrambled" after discovering she had lived with a hole in her heart for 49 years.
In an interview with The Sun, Willis shared her emotional experience leading up to the surgery, admitting, "It’s a bit of a head scramble when you find out something like that, that you’ve had something there your whole life, and you had no idea about it. I’m a brilliant overthinker, and my mind will go in every possible direction and scenario, so going into something like surgery, I really got myself at it, I get really anxious and nervous." Her openness about the psychological aspects of recovery highlights the often-overlooked emotional toll that medical procedures can have.
Willis described her recovery process as more psychological than physical, stating, "It’s been a smooth recovery, 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." This candid reflection resonates with many who have faced similar health challenges.
Throughout this journey, her husband, pop star Matt Willis, has been a significant source of support. Emma praised him for assisting her with breath work to manage her anxiety, saying, "Any kind of weirdness with it send you a bit panicky, but I’ve got a good little coach here on breath work and wellness." Their partnership seems to thrive on mutual support, especially during challenging times.
In addition to her health updates, Emma Willis made a triumphant return to 'This Morning' on Bank Holiday Monday, May 5, 2025, co-hosting alongside Rylan Clark. This marked her first regular appearance on the show in over a decade, as she previously left her role in 2014 after helming a live viewer interaction segment called The Hub. The duo celebrated the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day with a special VE Day Street Party broadcast, inviting viewers to join in the festivities.
The official Instagram account for 'This Morning' excitedly announced, "Rylan and Emma are throwing a VE Day Street Party and you're invited! Join us this Bank Holiday Monday on ITV1, STV and ITVX!" This return is particularly significant as Rylan Clark also made his comeback after nearly a year away from the show, previously sharing presenting duties with Josie Gibson last summer.
Meanwhile, the show continues to capture the audience's imagination with memorable segments, such as a recent visit from a 103-year-old beauty influencer. This heartwarming moment was featured on 'This Morning' last week, showcasing Joan Patridge, who gained fame on TikTok. Viewers responded with heartfelt comments, with one expressing, "Tearing up. I miss my Nan like crazy watching Joan. She looks amazing for 103 years old." Another admirer remarked, "Wow, she looks amazing for 103 years young."
In related news, Lorraine Kelly, another prominent figure in morning television, disclosed that she was in the hospital for an operation over the weekend. Sian Welby stepped in for Lorraine, who shared with her Instagram followers that she had to undergo a procedure to have her ovaries and tubes removed. Lorraine reassured her fans, saying, "It's purely preventative. It's going to be with keyhole surgery, which is incredible. I'm being very well looked after, and I'll obviously see you really soon, and I'm gonna be totally fine." Her positive outlook in the face of surgery is inspiring to many.
Emma Willis' journey through health challenges and her return to television not only highlight her resilience but also her commitment to mental health awareness. Her new BBC series, 'Change Your Mind, Change Your Life', aims to delve into real therapy sessions with members of the public, exploring various mental health issues. Emma emphasized the importance of communication in relationships, stating that attending couple's therapy sessions was the "best thing" she and Matt have done for their marriage, aside from having their children: Isabelle, 15, Ace, 12, and nine-year-old Trixie.
Reflecting on their marriage, Emma said, "We weren’t even really in a place where [we needed it], our marriage was great already. It’s about communication, which sounds really basic, especially when you’ve been with someone for twenty years, it’s like, ‘Well, how can you not communicate properly?'" This insight into their relationship dynamics offers a relatable perspective for many couples navigating long-term partnerships.
As Emma Willis continues to share her life experiences, she not only captivates her audience but also encourages open discussions about health, wellness, and the importance of mental health support. Her journey serves as a reminder that even public figures face personal challenges, and the support of loved ones can make all the difference.
