Chase Star Jenny Ryan reveals throat surgery after health scare

The Chase star Jenny Ryan has revealed she was left with a scar on her throat after undergoing surgery to remove her thyroid gland, which had become enlarged and was causing problems.

She’s one of the six chasers on the ITV show The Chase, where she is nicknamed ‘The Vixen’.

She made her first TV quiz appearance on University Challenge, for the semi-finals in 2003, also appearing on other quiz shows such as Mastermind, Are You an Egghead, and Only Connect.

The quizzer shared the update on Instagram alongside a photograph showing the scar on the front of her neck.

She said via social media: “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.”

Jenny said the operation had been successful and that she was recovering well following the procedure.

She also praised the medical team who treated her and said she would soon be returning to public appearances.

She 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.

“Thanks to the head and neck gang and all the terrific people who looked after me at UCH. The NHS is beyond wonderful.”

Jenny also told fans she would be appearing at Fingers Buzzers LIVE during the Bolton Comedy Festival on July 18.