Much-loved EastEnders star Heather Peace has revealed she was diagnosed with breast cancer last year.
The actress, who plays Eve Unwin in the show, shared an emotional post over the weekend about her cancer journey.
Heather uploaded a video of her behind the scenes at EastEnders. She was getting ready to film as Eve, but was also getting a wig fitted.
The process of getting the wig fitted and adjusted to fit her style was a moving process for Heather, who was constantly supported by her friends throughout.
In the caption alongside, Heather opened up about receiving her diagnosis, and how she has now finished her chemotherapy journey.
The actress said: ‘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.’
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.’
‘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).’
Heather concluded: ‘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. 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 xxx’.
Heather received an abundance of supportive messages in the comments section of her post.
Fellow EastEnders star Lacey Turner wrote: ‘My superhero !! Love you always mate’, while Kellie Bright said: ‘I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…. WARRIOR WOMAN!!!! Love the bones of you’.
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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.
As Suki began to accept her sexuality, her controlling ex-husband Nish Panesar (Navin Chowdhry) continued to try and stop her from being with Eve.
The characters got married at the start of this year, but the venue was also the location for Nish to attempt his final revenge.
His plan never worked, as Nish died after falling from a balcony.
