unaware

Emma Willis, host of The Voice UK, underwent keyhole heart surgery last year after discovering she had unknowingly lived with a congenital hole in her heart

The Voice UK presenter Emma Willis previously opened up about a health condition she had no idea about for over four decades.

The 50-year-old will be back on screens tonight (Saturday, August 22) to present the latest series of the ITV singing competition, with Destiny’s Child superstar Kelly Rowland joining as a coach alongside Sir Tom Jones, will.i.am and duo Danny Jones and Tom Fletcher.

Emma revealed she underwent successful 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.

She has since recovered well with the support of her husband, Matt Willis. Routine health checks and an MRI revealed an enlarged heart, which led to further investigation by a cardiologist who found the congenital heart defect.

The mother-of-three underwent a successful keyhole procedure at the Royal Brompton Hospital. and while the physical healing was smooth, she noted that the psychological adjustment of recovering from internal heart changes took time.

Taking to Instagram to share snaps from hospital after she had keyhole heart surgery, Emma penned: :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.

“From investigations last year, to diagnosis and then surgery, they were absolutely incredible. As was @mattjwillis who never left my side. Turns out, I’ve been pottering around for 48 years blissfully unaware I had a hole in my heart isn’t it bonkers what’s happening in our bodies that we have no idea about.

“What blows my mind even more is the wonders of modern medicine, and the spectacular people that save, fix and help us every single day. Can you imagine what it must feel like to have a pair of hands that can do that job?! They are the real superstar”

She continued:”A few of those people are Dr Alexander Lyon who investigated like a true super sleuth. Professor Wei Li, echocardiogram extraordinaire. Catrina, Carl and Tim who kept me at ease and humoured me when they were putting me to sleep.

“Marcus, Janet, Jayne, Hannah and Reem who monitored me at various points. Paulette, who was always up for a chat, gave great hugs, and loves a cinnamon slice as much as I do!

“There was a lovely woman with me in recovery but I was so out of it I can’t remember her name (so so sorry ) and my surgeon, Dr Ee Ling Heng… She was recommended as ‘a spectacular pair of hands’, but my god, she’s that and so much more.

“She has an ease and warmth that made me feel instantly comfortable all whilst being incredible professional and informative. I ask a million questions, and she answered them with the patience of a saint I knew as soon as we met that she was the woman I wanted poking around in my heart. Thank you Ee Ling, you’re one in a trillion.”

Emma, who will host Strictly Come Dancing when it returns to BBC One next month, has since partnered with the British Heart Foundation to raise awareness for cardiovascular conditions.

The Voice UK returns on Saturday, August 22 at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX while Strictly Come Dancing kicks off next month on BBC One and BBC iPlayer

THE Sidemen appeared to take a sideswipe at KSI after he announced he was splitting from the YouTubers earlier this week.

In bombshell news the Britain’s Got Talent judge revealed he had recorded his last video with his mates and was flying solo.

Today The Sidemen put up a long post on their social media which seemed to criticise the way in which KSI did it.

They wrote: “Ideally, we would have loved the opportunity to give JJ the send off he deserved, a proper farewell video, time for everyone to process it, and a chance to celebrate everything we’ve built together.

“Unfortunately JJ released the news before we had agreed on a mutual way of letting our audience know.”

KSI posted a long video on Sunday afternoon which not only caught fans unaware but seemed to do the same for The Sidemen too.

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They said: “His exit did not happen in the way any of us wanted it to. That has understandably left lots of you confused and we feel like we owe you some clarity.

“It’s difficult for us to address the situation and has taken some time, because we’re a group and not an individual.

“We don’t have a spokesperson as such and each of our opinions and feelings differ, which is why we’re using this shared statement.”

Though they did sound a note of positivity, starting off the statement by saying: “We as the Sidemen wish JJ the best and respect his decision to leave.

“We will be forever grateful for the amazing moments and memories we’ve shared together.”

They also signed off reassuring their fans: “This is the end of an era, but not the end of the Sidemen. The rest of us will continue to bring you Sidemen content with the same commitment and optimism we’ve always had.

“We look forward to continuing the journey with you all, and thank you for always supporting us through everything. Ethan – Harry – Josh – Simon – Tobi – Vik.”

In the video KSI posted he said: “This is honestly the hardest video I’ve ever had to make in my life.

“I’ve gone back and forth on this decision for a very long time. I’ve spent months trying to figure out what the right thing to do is.

“But after a lot of thought, I’ve decided that I’m no longer be doing sidemen videos. Today, 31st of May, will be my final Sidemen video.

“Even saying those words out loud doesn’t feel real.”

KSI went on to say: “The Sidemen have been such a huge part of my life for over 12-13 years.

“For almost half my life, this Sidemen has been my second family. We’ve grown up together. We’ve travelled the world together.”

He later added: “The truth is, nothing bad has happened. This decision is completely my own.

“Over the last few years, I’ve felt myself being pulled in a lot of directions than ever before.

“Between everything else in my life, I feel like I’ve been running at full speed at 100mph.

“I’ve spent so long trying to be everything for everyone. Trying to be everywhere. Trying to do it all. Trying not to let anyone down. But somewhere along the way, I started losing the balance in my own life.”

KSI went on: “I’ve found it hard to make enough time for myself. I’ve definitely found it hard to find time for my family. I’ve found it hard to make time for the people I love. And I’ve realised that something has to change.

“The Sidemen deserve somebody who can give 100%. And right now, I know I can’t do that. It just wouldn’t be fair to the boys.

“It wouldn’t be fair to you. And it wouldn’t be fair to myself. Walking away from something you love is painful. Trust me, it’s not been easy. But deep down, I know it’s the right thing to do.

“Those boys helped shape who I am today. And I hope in some small way I helped shape who they became too.”

KSI then went on to thank each of the men behind the successful YouTube channel, before thanking the crew and the fans who supported them on their journey.

Concluding his statement, KSI signed off by saying: “But for now, I need to focus on myself, and I need to focus on fixing my work life balance, just so I can finally focus on my health, and finally make time to see my family and make time to see my partner.”