Television and radio presenter Emma Willis has spoken candidly about the "terrifying" moment she was diagnosed with a serious, lifelong heart condition last year, a revelation that came just before she takes on a major new BBC role.
A Routine Check Reveals a Lifelong Condition
The 49-year-old broadcaster, who is set to take over Zoe Ball's BBC Radio 2 Saturday lunchtime slot, was completely unaware she had been living with the defect for 48 years. It was only during a routine health check in January 2025 that doctors discovered the issue.
Medics identified an enlarged heart and diagnosed an atrial septal defect (ASD) – a congenital hole between the heart's upper chambers. "The last thing I expected my cardiologist to say was that it was a congenital heart condition," Willis said. "I was floored as I had gone 48 years oblivious, not knowing anything was wrong. It was a bolt out of the blue."
Just two months after the shocking diagnosis, Willis underwent a successful keyhole operation at London's Royal Brompton Hospital to close the hole. She described the period from diagnosis to surgery as "the most present I have been in my life."
Championing Heart Health Awareness
The profound experience has led Willis to front a new awareness campaign for the British Heart Foundation (BHF). As part of this initiative, she has met others living with similar conditions, including Aimee Nicholls from Bristol and her eight-year-old son Leo, who both have congenital heart disease.
Mrs Nicholls, 32, was born with a hole in her heart and had a keyhole procedure at age four. Her son Leo's condition was detected during a 20-week scan. He required open heart surgery at just one week old to survive multiple heart defects. "When we were told about Leo’s conditions, our world collapsed," Mrs Nicholls said.
Willis also spoke with Michelle White, 48, from Manchester, a mother of three who has endured 13 different heart procedures, two open-heart operations, and several strokes, but now manages her condition with a pacemaker and treatment.
Red Benches and a Call for Support
To mark its 65th anniversary, the BHF is installing 65 distinctive red benches across the UK, each dedicated to a heart disease survivor with a personal message. The campaign aims to create spaces for conversation and change perceptions about cardiovascular conditions.
Dr Charmaine Griffiths, chief executive of the BHF, said: "We’re incredibly grateful to Emma, Aimee, Leo and Michelle for openly sharing their experiences... Their stories send a powerful message that cardiovascular disease can affect anyone." She urged the public to donate towards lifesaving research.
Willis, while nervous about her new Radio 2 gig, hopes her story provides solace and support to others. "I’m hoping that sharing my story will help others going through something like this," she stated.
