The Chase star Jenny Ryan, otherwise known as The Vixen, took to social media and showed off a scar on her neck after she underwent surgery. The quizmaster, 44, was flooded with messages of support as she addressed being admitted to hospital. The ITV favourite explained her thyroid gland had grown so big it had to be "chopped out" because it was causing problems for the on-screen star.

The quizzer uploaded several photos from her time in hospital to the recovery process. In a lengthy Instagram statement, she penned: "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."

The Chaser said she was urged to spend some time healing following the operation.

Jenny said: "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."