Opera singer Lesley Garrett, who appeared on the ITV panel show from 2006 to 2010, returned as a guest to discuss her health after having a tumour removed.
Former Loose Women panel member Lesley Garrett expressed her delight at returning to the show, stating it's "great to be back" as she made a one-off appearance.
The 70-year-old opera singer and former Strictly Come Dancing star first appeared on the show in 2006 and served as a regular panellist until 2010. She later disclosed that she stepped down because her television appearances affected her husband's work as a GP.
However, Lesley made a comeback to the ITV programme today to provide an update on her health.
"Our guest today is not only one of the nation's most beloved opera singers, she's also no stranger to the Loose Women panel having made her debut almost 20 years ago. Today she is back for a very much-needed catch-up," Christine Lampard introduced.
"You're all looking so well! The years have been kind to you," Lesley started as she entered the set, reports Belfast Live.
"It's so great to be back, I wasn't sure I was still Loose enough."
She then opened up about undergoing a procedure to remove a tumour from her heart.
In 2021, Lesley underwent an unrelated health scan during which a tumour in the middle of her chest was unexpectedly discovered.
At the time, she was informed it was a "rare growth" but "benign", however, a year later, she began experiencing concerning symptoms.
"My voice changed and I couldn't understand it, it wasn't doing what it should do."
Fortunately, Lesley was able to have the heart tumour removed through surgery, assisted by a surgeon operating a machine.
"They deflated one lung, so I was only operating on one lung - very exciting - and they made two little incisions which you can't even see now because they used to have to crack your chest," she detailed.
Lesley continued, revealing how the robotic arms skilfully extracted the tumour from a gland near her heart, and "put it in a little bag, like Sainsbury's".
"Takeaway tumour!" she quipped, lauding her "extraordinary" medical team.
Remarkably, Lesley was back home within a day and soon returned to the stage, despite facing the potential risk of losing her ability to sing or even speak if complications had arisen during the operation.
Reflecting on her swift recovery, she shared: "I've been so well, I'm back singing as good as ever."
As the interview wrapped up, Lesley joyously expressed how wonderful it was to rejoin the Loose Women panel and voiced her eagerness for future appearances.
Loose Women airs weekdays from 12.30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
