EastEnders star reveals cancer battle and says life feels 'very different now'
An EastEnders star has revealed they have been battling cancer.
Heather Peace, best known for playing Eve Panesar-Unwin in the BBC soap, took to social media to reveal the news.
She shared an emotional video of a wig fitting on Instagram.
Fans of the show and co-stars have sent their support following the revelation.
The post by the 49-year-old reads: "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.
"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."
The EastEnders actress went on to say she is "forever changed", and said during the chemotherapy that she has "narrowed her world", spending time with her wife and children.
She said she has "found joy in the simplest of things" and "interactions with others have felt honest and real because I've had no capacity for small talk".
She thanked the EastEnders team, her local community, as well as the NHS in the post.
The star concluded: "Life feels very different now and it's wonderful. I will continue to cherish and be grateful for all I am blessed with.
"I feel very lucky. With love, Heather."
Lacey Turner, who plays Stacey Slater in the BBC soap, said: "My superhero. Love you always mate."
Have you voted yet? Make sure you vote all things #EastEnders at this year's @SoapAwards! #TheBritishSoapAwards 🏆 Link to vote here 👉 https://t.co/EOJlO8zfgQ pic.twitter.com/CggTYGmpPw
— BBC EastEnders (@bbceastenders) May 8, 2025
Meanwhile, Kellie Bright, who plays Linda Carter, said: "I've said it before and I'll say it again…. WARRIOR WOMAN!!!! Love the bones of you."
Ian Beale himself, Adam Woodyatt, Navin Chowdhry (Nish Panesar) and Mollie Rainford (Anna Knight) were among other EastEnders stars to send well-wishes.
Fans also sent their love to the EastEnders star.
Recommended reading:
EastEnders icon to leave BBC soap after 21 years saying 'its time to take a rest'
EastEnders star confirms exit after 6 months saying 'I left a couple of weeks ago'
EastEnders axe star from BBC soap after 3 years but fans demand 'keep him in'
One said: "So brave. Doing this with a smile on your face. You are an amazing human already."
Another said: "Sending such love and strength your way. What a fighter."
A third said: "Beautiful wishing you all the love and strength in the rest of your cancer recovery journey."
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