Emma Willis, the beloved TV presenter and Strictly Come Dancing frontrunner, has bravely revealed that she has started therapy after years of struggling to cope with her mental health. The 50-year-old star, who is reportedly set to replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as a Strictly host, candidly shared the powerful decision to seek professional help during an appearance on her husband Matt Willis’s podcast, On The Mend.
In an emotionally charged moment, Emma admitted that for many years, she had kept her mental health struggles under wraps, feeling overwhelmed and unsure of how to address them. However, she acknowledged the immense importance of taking care of herself, saying that therapy was a “huge” step for her.
“It’s Taken Me Years”
Emma reflected on the long road to seeking therapy, admitting that it took her eight years before she felt ready to tackle her mental health head-on. She confessed, “I didn’t really have the space mentally or emotionally for that,” referring to the years she spent focusing on her family and career while neglecting her own well-being.
During her candid conversation with Matt, she revealed that she was now embracing the idea of personal healing. “I hunkered down and focused on my girl and me. [But] now I’m ready to stick my head above the parapet a bit more,” Emma explained with a sense of pride and relief.
Her words carry a sense of strength and a willingness to confront the challenges she had previously avoided. “I’m on the mend,” she added with a soft smile, indicating the beginning of a transformative journey.
Surprising Benefits: How Quickly Therapy Has Worked
What surprised Emma the most, she admitted, was how quickly therapy began to make a difference in her life. “I wasn’t surprised when I started therapy because we have done it before, so I knew what to expect. It is weird when it is just you and I can’t blame anything on Matt,” Emma said, laughing lightly.
Emma has been known for her composure and ability to maintain a confident public persona, but the realization that therapy was already having a noticeable effect was a revelation for her. “What was most surprising was how quickly it works because it is a long process and you have to work at it, but I felt benefits quite quickly,” she said, offering hope to others who may be on the fence about starting their own healing journey.
“I’m not cured, but I definitely feel better. Little tips have helped me straight away, and I’m on the mend,” she continued, her tone filled with optimism.
Emma’s Big Break: From ‘Single Mum’ to ‘Strictly’ Hopeful
As if opening up about her personal healing wasn’t enough, Emma is also on the brink of a major career milestone. The TV presenter, who became a household name thanks to her work on The Voice UK and Big Brother, has emerged as the frontrunner to replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as hosts of Strictly Come Dancing.
Though Emma hasn’t officially confirmed the news, industry insiders have already indicated that the BBC is eager to offer her the role. “Emma has been offered the Strictly job and is going to accept. She absolutely nailed the chemistry tests, and the BBC adore her,” one source revealed. The insider added, “She is a household name and a safe pair of hands, so they know she will do the job justice.”
Emma’s potential new role on the dancefloor is seen as a perfect fit for the TV presenter. A television producer who worked with Emma on a previous reality show said, “If anyone can turn things around for Strictly, it’s her.” They described her as a unique blend of vulnerability and confidence that resonates deeply with audiences.
A Return to Saturday Night TV: Emma’s Proven Track Record
Emma’s experience in the world of live TV is unmatched. Her time hosting The Voice UK saw a two-million-strong increase in viewership, and her stand-in roles on This Morning only further solidified her credibility in the industry. These accomplishments are a testament to Emma’s professionalism, but they also highlight the quiet strength she exudes—something that will undoubtedly make her a successful addition to the Strictly family.
She has not only proven herself on screen but behind the scenes as well. “She’s one of the most determined professionals I’ve ever worked with,” the producer added. “She has this incredible ability to rise to the occasion, even when things are looking uncertain.”
Overcoming Adversity: Emma’s Strength as a Mother and a Professional
Emma’s personal life has been full of its own challenges. Raising her daughter Kitty, now 11, as a single mother after her split from Matt for a time, was no easy task. Emma often spoke of how single parenthood affected her career, yet she embraced it with a quiet resilience that became her defining characteristic.
Reflecting on this period, Emma explained how her priorities shifted. “In that moment, your career could falter because you’re left holding the baby,” she recalled. “But I found in myself a strength. I thought, ‘No, I’m not going to sit in the corner with a duvet over my head.’ I’m going to come out fighting because I know that I have so much to give in my career.”
Positivity, Charisma, and Love: Emma’s New Relationship Outlook
In a recent conversation, Emma also shared her personal outlook on relationships. Reflecting on her long journey of self-discovery, she revealed that she has very specific criteria when it comes to potential partners. “I want a guy that scoops me up and goes, ‘I’ve got you, I don’t care if you’ve got your makeup on or not,’” Emma said with a smile.
As she navigates her personal life and prepares for her next big career move, Emma is focused on positivity and charisma, both in herself and the people she surrounds herself with. “Positivity and charisma—that’s what I’m looking for,” she said. “I don’t need anyone miserable or negative.”
Emma’s Future: Embracing the Journey Ahead
As Emma continues her personal and professional growth, it’s clear that she is on a path to even greater success. Her story of healing and resilience is an inspiration to many, proving that even the most public figures can experience struggles, but with the right support and mindset, they can emerge stronger than ever.
Emma’s upcoming role on Strictly may be the next chapter in an already impressive career, but for now, she’s focused on being the best version of herself. With therapy, a renewed sense of self, and a career on the rise, the future is incredibly bright for Emma Willis.
As she continues to balance family, career, and her own mental well-being, it’s clear that Emma is ready for whatever comes next—on and off the screen.
