EastEnders star Heather Peace has revealed that she has privately battled cancer for the past few months, adding that her “chemotherapy journey” had ended.
The actor, who plays Eve Panesar-Unwin on the BBC soap, confirmed via Instagram that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer back in October, with the star sharing a video of a wig fitting to demonstrate the “important part” of her “recent journey”.
“I’ve been on quite a road for many months now,” she wrote. “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, adding that she was “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.
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“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… I’ve felt totally supported by you all.”
Peace, who joined the soap in 2021, continued by thanking her friends, local community and the “wonderful” NHS, before concluding that she would go on to “cherish” and “be grateful” for all that she was “blessed with”.
Peace’s post was met with a warm response from followers and EastEnders co-stars, with Lacey Turner, who plays Stacey Slater, commenting: “My superhero !! Love you always mate.”
Balvinder Sopal, who plays Peace’s on-screen wife Suki, and Ian Beale actor Adam Woodyatt sent a trio of love heart emojis, while Kellie Bright, who plays Linda Carter, referred to Peace as a “warrior woman”.
“Love you so much, you beautiful, strong, mental, brave lady… You’re frigging Ace!!!” wrote Honey Mitchell actor Emma Barton, while Diane Parish called the actor “tough ” and “courageously vulnerable”.
“All the love in the world Heather. You are Glowing!! And what a magical team to have by your side,” added former star Navin Chowdhry, with Ellie Dadd, Lorraine Stanley and Toby-Alexander Smith also sending messages.