The Chase Star’s Latest Check-Up Reveals Early Signs of a Condition Doctors Watch Closely – “No One Is Saying the Word Out Loud,” But the Message Was Clear Enough to Spark Concern

 Sad news for Anne Hegerty, the beloved “Governess” of ITV’s The Chase, as an emergency doctor’s alert from her latest check-up has sparked nationwide concern among fans and colleagues. At 67, the quiz show icon – whose razor-sharp wit and unyielding knowledge have made her a fixture on British screens for over a decade – has been open about her health struggles, including her late-in-life Asperger’s diagnosis and ongoing weight management journey. But this latest revelation, shared in a candid interview with Yours magazine, points to early signs of prediabetes, a condition doctors watch closely because it can evolve into type 2 diabetes later in life. “No one is saying the word out loud – but the message was clear enough to spark concern,” Anne admitted, her trademark humor tinged with vulnerability. Supporters are rallying with prayers and messages of encouragement, many saying, “We’re with you, Anne – you’ve got this.”

The alert came during a routine appointment in August 2025, where Anne’s blood work showed elevated glucose levels – a prediabetes red flag. “My doctor sat me down and said, ‘Anne, this is something we need to address now,’” she recounted. “He mentioned Ozempic or similar medications to ‘stave off diabetes,’ and I told him I’d think about it. But honestly, I’m only thinking about it.” Prediabetes affects one in three adults over 65 in the UK, according to Diabetes UK, and if unmanaged, can lead to full diabetes, heart disease, and nerve damage. For Anne, who has spoken candidly about her Asperger’s making social eating challenging and her love for “naughty treats,” the diagnosis hits close to home. “I’ve always been the girl who finishes her chips,” she joked, but added seriously, “It’s a wake-up call. I want to be around for my grandkids, quizzing them into their 80s.”

Anne’s openness has endeared her to millions, but this news has amplified worries. Social media lit up with #AnneStrong, fans sharing: “You’ve beaten bigger beasts – prediabetes doesn’t stand a chance!” and “From The Chase to chasing health – we’re rooting for you.” The Chase co-star Mark Labbett posted: “Sis, you’ve got the brains to outsmart this too.” Anne, who lost over 5 stone in 2019 through a low-carb diet and exercise, has been vocal about body positivity and self-care, but admits the condition “feels like another layer to peel back.”

Prediabetes, characterized by blood sugar levels higher than normal but not yet diabetic, often shows no symptoms, making early detection crucial. Anne’s doctor recommended lifestyle tweaks alongside potential medication like Ozempic, a GLP-1 agonist that’s gained fame for weight loss but is primarily for blood sugar control. “I’m considering it,” she said. “But I think I’m OK for now – I’ll bear it in mind.” Her proactive stance aligns with her Asperger’s journey, where she turned diagnosis into empowerment through her 2020 memoir The Governess: My Life in Learning.

As Anne navigates this, one thing’s clear: her spirit – fierce, funny, formidable – remains unchallenged. “Diabetes? Bring it,” she quipped. Fans, take note: the Governess is gearing up for another quiz – this time, against her own health.