The Chase's Jenny Ryan feared losing her voice after having her thyroid gland 'chopped out'
In July, The Chase star Jenny Ryan revealed she had secret surgery to have her thyroid gland "chopped out".
Jenny Ryan feared losing her voice after having her thyroid gland "chopped out".
The Chase star underwent secret surgery as her thyroid gland grew too big and was "causing some problems", and the biggest concern was the impact the procedure would have on her vocal cords - particularly because she is a quizzer and a singer.
Speaking exclusively to BANG Showbiz at the National Television Awards at London's The O2 arena on Tuesday night (08.09.26), Jenny, 44, said there were no obvious warning signs before her thyroid gland got bigger.
She added: "It can just spontaneously happen and creep up on you. So it's just another one of those things: if you feel unsure about something, go and speak to your GP or call the NHS and get some advice."
Jenny - nicknamed The Vixen on The Chase - faced a stressful wait to see if the operation would affect her vocal cords.
But the brainbox was relieved that she is "alright" and can still talk and sing.
In July, The Box contestant showed off her throat scar after having her thyroid gland removed.
Jenny shared several shots of her scar on Instagram, with the caption: "Hello my lovelies. You might notice my new scar. You'd be hard pushed to not spot it, given it's right on the front of my neck.
"As much as I'd like to have an exciting and glamorous reason (old timey duel, Olympic fencing practice, near miss with guillotine) the reality is not so sexy.
"My thyroid gland made a bid for fame and got so big it started causing some problems so we* chopped it out. (sic)"
The TV personality contestant reassured fans she was OK and "healing nicely" after going under the knife.
Jenny added: "I'm fine. Surgery was all good and the consultant is very happy.
"My voice still works and it's healing nicely.
"I had to stay quite still for a couple of weeks in case my head fell off** but we are grand now. (sic)"
She continued: "Thanks to the head and neck gang and all the terrific people who looked after me at UCH. The NHS is beyond wonderful.
"See you around e.g. for @fingersbuzzers LIVE at Bolton Comedy Festival on 18 July.
"*Actual professional surgeons.
"** Hyperbole. Let me have this bit of drama, please. (sic)"
At the National Television Awards on Tuesday night, The Chase was nominated for Best Quiz Show alongside Ant + Dec’s Limitless Win, Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel, Richard Osman’s House of Games, and The 1 per cent Club.
The 1 per cent Club took home the gong.
