Andrea McLean announced live on air that she will be having a hysterectomy. The Loose Women panellist told viewers and audience members that she will be temporarily leaving the show for a month to have the operation and recuperate.
Andrea, who is undergoing the operation on Thursday, said: "Just to let you know, don't worry if you don't see me for the next month or so. I am actually going to be off at home convalescing.
"I'm having a hysterectomy tomorrow – lots of personal reasons for that. I did go to the doctor's and talk about it."
© Photo: RexAndrea McLean is having a hysterectomy on Thursday
The Scottish presenter, 46, received a wave of support from the audience and her co-stars, who assured her that she would be fine. Saira Khan, who was seated next to her, sweetly leant over and gave Andrea a warm hug.
The TV star took to Twitter after the show and wrote: "I'm overwhelmed by your lovely comments about my op tomorrow - if I was emotional before you've ruined me! Thank you so much xx."
© Photo: TwitterShe was presented some beautiful gifts from her Loose Women panellists
She also shared photos of the gifts she received from her fellow panellists. "I'm surrounded by lovely women," she wrote.
Later that evening Andrea treated herself to a nightcap, posting a photo of a gin and tonic. "I'm going to sit down, put my feet up and enjoy my last one of these for a wee while... #purelyformedicinalpurposes," she posted.
© Photo: HELLO!Andrea with her new boyfriend Nick Feeney
Earlier this year Andrea opened up to HELLO! magazine about her new boyfriend Nick Feeney. The former weather presenter has two children – a son Finlay from her marriage to BBC producer Nick Green and a daughter Amy from her marriage to presenter Steve Toms.
"I never thought I'd feel like this again, that I'd fall in love and get the chance to start a new life," Andrea told HELLO! in July.
"It's been a revelation to him, too. And because we make each other so happy, it's changed our lives. So many people have commented on how much more positive I've become since I met him. Thanks to Nick, I'm no longer looking backwards, I'm looking forwards."
