EastEnders star reveals wife has breast cancer after confirming own diagnosis
Heather, who plays Eve Unwin in the show, confirmed that she received her health news towards the end of 2024.
In a post on Instagram sharing the development, Heather revealed that she was given the news in October, and had surgery over the Christmas period.
In the caption, she said: 'I've been on quite a road for many months now. I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the beginning of October. Since then I've undergone surgery and recovery over the Christmas period and today my chemotherapy journey ended.'
'I woke up this morning and it was like the end of the London Marathon; I'd turned onto The Mall and could see the giant clock & the finish line. To conclude – I've just picked up my medal.'
She continued: 'But I'm forever changed. During this time I've narrowed my world. I've had the most precious time with my wife Ellie and our 3 girls; Annie, Jessie & Lola.
'Just trying to appreciate every moment of them. I've stayed still. I've found joy in the simplest of things. Interactions with others have felt honest and real because I've had no capacity for small talk. It has felt like such a personal shift. There have been so many positives.'
Now, Heather has opened up about another development in her family. The star, who is 50, said that her wife Ellie received the same diagnosis as her earlier in the year.
'Her breast cancer was a smaller, aggressive lump, so she had a lumpectomy and then radiotherapy', Heather explained in an interview with the Mirror. More Trending
'Of course then I come along with my 12 cm lump, absolutely ginormous, and mastectomy, chemotherapy, just about to go into radiotherapy. She's like, 'even that you have to do bigger'. It's like, 'hold my beer''.
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Heather has been incredibly open and honest about the aftermath of her cancer diagnosis.
Recently, she revealed she's now dedicated to incorporating fitness into her recovery journey, passionate about keeping her mind and body healthy.
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Heather has played Eve in the BBC One soap since 2021. The beloved character is in a relationship with Suki Panesar (Balvinder Sopal), but their journey to finding their happiness was not easy.
MORE: Emmerdale legend signs new contract and is staying put amid serious illness storyline
MORE: Legendary movie star Whoopi Goldberg joins cast of long-running TV soap in 'crazy idea'
MORE: 'Together again': TV stars reunite one year after legend's exit from iconic show
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