EastEnders' Heather Peace reveals wife Ellie has breast cancer after her own surgery and treatment to beat the disease
The actress, 50, who plays Eve Sopal-Unwin in the BBC soap, was diagnosed in October and went public with the news last month after having a mastectomy.
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Now, as she prepares to begin radiotherapy treatment, Heather told the Mirror that Ellie has quietly been living with the condition too.
She explained: "Her breast cancer was a smaller, aggressive lump, so she had a lumpectomy and then radiotherapy.
"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.'"
She captioned her post: "This video is an important part of my recent journey, which I wanted to share with you.
"It's been about the #TeamEffort here @bbceastenders.
"I needed a wig fitting. 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.
EastEnders legend set for heartbreak as she makes shock decision amid secret affair
"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."
Heather told her followers she has been "forever changed" by the disease and paid tribute to Ellie and their three daughters, Annie, Jessie and Lola, for getting her through it.
She said she was "just trying to appreciate every moment of them".
Heather added: "There have been so many positives.
"Thank you to the whole EE team for going above & beyond. Particularly our amazing makeup team.
"And to Alex Rouss for the original wig & Linda for the spot on cut.
"I've felt totally supported by you all. Thank you to all of the friends in my local community who've been there for me and my family at the drop of a hat (you know who you are).
"Thank you to the NHS. You are wonderful, skilled people. You treated me efficiently. You gave me dignity and showed me kindness. It's so appreciated."
Heather ended her post admitting "life feels very different now" but said "it's wonderful".
She said: "I will continue to cherish and be grateful for all I am blessed with. I feel very lucky. With love, Heather xxx"
Kellie Bright, who plays Linda Carter on the show, was among the first to send her well wishes.
She penned: "I've said it before and I'll say it again…. WARRIOR WOMAN!!!! Love the bones of you."
What are the signs of breast cancer?
BREAST cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK.
The majority of women who get it are over 50, but younger women and, in rare cases, men can also get breast cancer.
If it's treated early enough, breast cancer can be prevented from spreading to other parts of the body.
Breast cancer can have a number of symptoms, but the first noticeable symptom is usually a lump or area of thickened breast tissue.
Most breast lumps aren't cancerous, but it's always best to have them checked by your doctor. You should also speak to your GP if you notice any of the following:
a change in the size or shape of one or both breasts
discharge from either of your nipples (which may be streaked with blood)
a lump or swelling in either of your armpits
dimpling on the skin of your breasts
a rash on or around your nipple
a change in the appearance of your nipple, such as becoming sunken into your breast
Source: NHS
Honey Mitchell actress Emma Barton wrote: "Love you so much, you beautiful, strong, mental, brave lady… You're frigging Ace!!!"
Soap fans know her as Walford's Eve, but Heather also has another job away from our TV screens.
The star is also a singer and has released five albums.
Heather regularly performs up and down the country and treats her Instagram followers to snippets of her gigs.
The talented artist can play guitar and piano and performs with a band at live concerts.
Heather got her first taste of music success in 2000 when her London's Burning character sang Bette Midler song The Rose, which was released and reached no. 58 in the UK charts.
She has since released five albums, the last of which was 2018's Hey Mayhem.
The Bradford born star, who also played Nikki Boston in Waterloo Road, joined EastEnders as Eve in October 2021.
Stacey Slater's former cellmate and wife has been a regular in the soap ever since, most recently marrying second wife Suki Panesar.
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