Heather Peace explains how she kept cancer diagnosis hidden from viewers

Daily Mirror

13-05-2025

EastEnders star, Heather Peace, who plays Eve Unwin in the BBC soap, bravely keep her breast cancer diagnosis hidden from BBC viewers for seven months
EastEnders' Heather Peace has revealed how she kept her breast cancer diagnosis hidden from viewers for seven months while starring in the soap. The award-winning actress, 49, who plays Eve Unwin on the BBC staple, broke the news about her cancer to her followers last night on Instagram, revealing that she had finished her chemotherapy after undergoing surgery.
Explaining how she managed to keep her diagnosis a secret while working on EastEnders, Heather praised the "whole team" at the soap, "particularly the makeup department" as she shared a photo of herself having her wig fitted alongside some of her colleagues. Thanking the team for looking after her, she posted: 'Thank you to the whole EE team for going above & beyond. Particularly our amazing makeup team. And to Alex Rouss for the original wig and Linda for the spot on cut.'
‌
‌
Last night, Heather issued her heartbreaking health update as she spoke directly to the camera, saying: "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.'
Sharing her delight at having finished her chemotherapy, she added: "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.'
‌
Conceding she was "forever changed" by the experience, she concluded: "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 and 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."
Heather's co-stars instantly rushed to the comment section of her post, with Lacey Turner penning: "My superhero!! Love you always mate." Balvinda Sopal added three heart emojis. Meanwhile, Denise Fox actress Diane Parish penned: "Tough and courageously vulnerable. That makes a true warrior. Admire you more than you could know. We got you all the way!"
Heather has become a huge fan favourite with EastEnders viewers since making her debut on the soap in 2021. Earlier this year Eve and wife Suki Panesar, played by Balvinda made soap history when they became the lesbian couple to tie the knot on EastEnders.