The Chase star Jenny Ryan has disclosed that she recently underwent surgery, sharing a candid social media post about the health update.
The 44-year-old quizzer, known to viewers as The Vixen, posted photographs on Instagram on Thursday showing a prominent scar across the front of her neck following the removal of her thyroid gland.
"My thyroid gland made a bid for fame and got so big it started causing some problems so we* chopped it out," Ms Ryan wrote, with the asterisk clarifying that professional surgeons performed the operation.
The ITV favourite assured her followers that the surgery had gone smoothly and her consultant was pleased with the outcome.
Jenny Ryan shared some pictures following her procedure
|"My voice still works and it's healing nicely," she confirmed.
Ms Ryan revealed that her recovery required her to keep still for a fortnight to prevent any complications, joking that this was "in case my head fell off" – though she acknowledged this was hyperbole, adding: "Let me have this bit of drama, please."
The Bolton-born quizzer confirmed she is now doing well, stating: "We are grand now."
She expressed heartfelt gratitude to the medical professionals who cared for her, thanking "the head and neck gang and all the terrific people who looked after me at UCH."
Ms Ryan was effusive in her praise for the health service, declaring: "The NHS is beyond wonderful."
Despite needing to stay silent during her initial recovery period, the television personality noted she is now back to full health and has upcoming work commitments, including a live appearance at Bolton Comedy Festival on July 18.
Supporters quickly filled the comments section with messages of encouragement and recovery wishes following Ms Ryan's announcement.
ITV itself responded to the post, writing: "Nothing wrong with being dramatic Jenny! Hope you feel better soon."
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Jenny Ryan was flooded with support following the post
|GETTY
One fan commented: "I'm glad to hear you're recovering well!! The NHS is such a treasure."
Another follower expressed their relief that the operation had been successful, hoping her recovery would continue without complications.
Several viewers shared their own experiences with similar procedures, with one writing: "Get well soon, Jenny. I had mine removed on the 18th June and totally agree, the NHS were fantastic. I'm forever grateful."
The outpouring of support reflected the affection viewers hold for the popular quizzer, who has been open about health matters in the past.
Jenny Ryan has starred in The Chase since 2015
|ITV
Ms Ryan has been a fixture on The Chase for close to 11 years, though her involvement with the programme stretches back even further – she contributed questions from the pilot episode in 2009 before appearing on screen.
The Bolton native's path to becoming a Chaser was far from straightforward, requiring a gruelling six-month audition process that included multiple rounds and a screen test with host Bradley Walsh.
"I had been on the quiz circuit for quite a long time, and I had known The Beast [Mark Labbett] for many years before he got the job," Ms Ryan explained on The Final FronTia podcast with Tia Kofi.
She joked that securing the role was more challenging than joining the intelligence services, quipping: "It's harder than getting into MI6!"