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Tonsils are two lumps of tissue either side of the throat that produce antibodies to help fight infection.

However the tonsils can become infected, which is painful and may need antibiotics.

These infections can leave crevices and scars, which make them more vulnerable to flare-ups.

Removing the tonsils can reduce swelling and ease painful swallowing, but sadly it won’t prevent all sore throats.

The operation requires a general anaesthetic and a painful three-week convalescence, but it won’t change Kim’s voice.

As she hasn’t had an infection for over a year, Kim’s immune system may have finally kicked in.

If it comes back, she could ask about having her tonsils removed.

When I was in the stage version of Cabaret in London’s West End last year, I was terrified of performing in front of a live audience.

On top of that, I was constantly worried that I’d get an attack of tonsillitis, which would make it impossible to sing.

I usually have about five bouts of tonsillitis a year, but luckily I somehow escaped unscathed throughout the entire six-month run of Cabaret.

I’ve suffered from tonsillitis since I was a child.

I don’t need to tell anyone who gets tonsillitis how painful it can be.

There’s the awful sore throat, as well as the sickness, tiredness and swollen neck glands.

But the main problem is swallowing – when you have tonsillitis, it’s like having a sharp piece of broken glass stuck in your throat.

Over the years, I’ve taken penicillin-based antibiotics to clear it up, but I’ve never found a cure for the problem.

I’ve thought long and hard about whether I should have my tonsils removed, but the jury’s still out.

I worry that it might change the tone of my voice – and I don’t want to end up sounding like Barry White!

I haven’t had tonsillitis since April 2007, so I wonder if singing so much in Cabaret actually helped to stave it off?

Or maybe the amount of water I was drinking or the steam sessions after each performance strengthened my immunity?

I live in fear of the next attack. Is there anything else I can do to stop it coming back?

Kim stars in Harley Street, Thursdays, 9pm, ITV1.

Photography: Mike Owen/Staystill/Photoshot

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