EastEnders star Heather Peace reveals cancer diagnosis
Heather Peace at the DIVA Magazine Awards (Photo by Keith Mayhew/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Heather Peace at the DIVA Magazine Awards (Photo by Keith Mayhew/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
EastEnders‘ Heather Peace says she feels “very lucky” after sharing her cancer diagnosis publicly for the first time.
The lesbian singer and actress, known for her role as Eve Sopal-Unwin in the BBC soap, posted a video on Instagram on Monday (13 May) of a wig fitting, while disclosing that she’d been diagnosed with breast cancer in October.
“This video is an important part of my recent journey, which I wanted to share with you,” she wrote in the caption. “I’ve been on quite a road for many months now,” adding that she had surgery and recovered from that around Christmas.
“Today my chemotherapy journey ended,” she continued likening it to finishing 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 said.
“But I’m forever changed,” she continued. “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.”
Peace then thanked the EastEnders team for “going above & beyond,” especially the makeup team who helped with her wig. “I’ve felt totally supported by you all,” she added.
She also thanked her friends for their support as well as the “wonderful, skilled people” at the NHS who “treated me efficiently. You gave me dignity and showed me kindness. It’s so appreciated.”
Peace closed by saying, “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”
In the comments there was an outpouring of love for the actress. “My superhero !! Love you always mate,” wrote Lacey Turner, who plays Stacey Slater on the long-running BBC soap.
Navim Chowdhry added: “All the love in the world Heather. You are Glowing!!” while Emma Barton put: “Love you so much, you beautiful, strong, mental, brave lady… You’re frigging Ace!!!”
Breast Cancer is the most common form of cancer in the UK, affecting more women than men. According to statistics from Breast Cancer Now, one woman is diagnosed every 10 minutes
There are several symptoms to look out for including pain in one breast, a noticeable lump or change in the size or outline of a breast, and discharge from the nipple. For a full list of symptoms check the NHS website.
