From modelling to maternity care: the versatile career of broadcaster Emma Willis
In short: Emma Willis has navigated a diverse path from teenage modelling to becoming a staple of British television. Beyond her high-profile hosting roles on shows like Big Brother and The Voice, she has pursued unexpected personal milestones, including qualifying as a maternity care assistant and volunteering as a vaccination worker.
Born in Sutton Coldfield in 1976, Emma Willis began her professional life as a model at age 15, working for major brands like Chanel and Vogue. Her transition into broadcasting gained momentum with a breakthrough role at MTV in 2002. Over the following decades, she became a familiar face across major networks, including the BBC, ITV, and Channel 5. Her career is defined by her adaptability, moving seamlessly between reality television, talent competitions, and live event coverage, such as the BRIT Awards.
Willis is perhaps best known for her tenure on Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother, which she hosted from 2013 to 2018. Her approach to the role was marked by a direct style, notably during her exit interview with Winston McKenzie, a moment she has cited as a point of personal pride. Her versatility extends to her work on The Voice UK, which she has presented since 2014, and her recent appointment as a co-host for Strictly Come Dancing in 2026. These roles have cemented her status as a reliable and enduring presence in the competitive landscape of British entertainment.
Beyond the screen, Willis has pursued interests that diverge significantly from her media career. Following her experience on the series Delivering Babies, she qualified as a maternity care assistant in 2019. Her personal life has also been marked by significant health revelations; in 2025, she underwent keyhole heart surgery at the Royal Brompton Hospital after an MRI scan identified a congenital hole in her heart that had remained undetected for 48 years. Additionally, she has used her platform to address sensitive topics, such as her husband Matt Willis's struggles with addiction, which were documented in a 2023 BBC film. Whether exploring her ancestral history on Who Do You Think You Are? or volunteering with St John Ambulance during the COVID-19 pandemic, Willis consistently demonstrates a commitment to projects that extend well beyond standard celebrity presenting duties.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Emma Willis
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