The 49-year-old, who is best known for playing Eve Panesar-Unwin in the BBC soap, shared her cancer diagnosis in an emotional video this week.

Heather revealed she had been diagnosed with cancer last year and had been having chemotherapy treatment.

Not only did she undergo chemo, but she had surgery to fight the breast cancer, too.

Heather is married to her wife Ellie and they have three daughters together.

The couple had a civil partnership ceremony in 2013, before converting it into a marriage the following year.

Heather and Ellie are doting mums to their children: Annie Mary, born in April 2015; and twins Jessie and Lola, who were born in June 2017.

Ellie carried Annie Mary, and Heather carried the twins.

Speaking out about deciding on who should carry their children, Heather opened up in 2018 to The Agora Clinic in Brighton – which is where they underwent IVF – before they welcomed their twins.

She said: “We used my eggs and Ellie carried our daughter.

“We are hoping to try it the other way around using Ellie’s eggs and me carrying the baby if we are lucky enough to get pregnant a second time.”

Also during the interview, Heather spoke about her egg reserves being low, which was very stressful.

“Because I am a bit older, my egg reserves were lower so the most stressful time was the two-week wait waiting to find out whether the embryo had implanted,” she explained.

Heather also thanked the clinic in Brighton for making her and her wife the happiest they had ever been.

“It’s important to understand that IVF is a programme, not just one treatment; as a couple, you have nothing else to talk about because every day is about where you are in your cycle, what injections you have to do,” she said.

“But because we went through this together, it has brought us even closer.

“I want to thank the Agora for making me and my wife the happiest we’ve ever been in our lives.”

The family live in a gorgeous home in Brighton, with their private life kept largely out of the spotlight.

But in 2022, Heather did provide fans with an insight for her and Ellie’s wedding anniversary.

As she celebrated nine years, she uploaded a slew of adorable snaps documenting their years together and all loved up.

In the caption at the time she wrote: “Happy 9th wedding anniversary to my dear Ellie. The love of my life. 9 years married, 12 years together, 20 years knowing you.

“We were an awesome left wing in football and a pretty smashing team now.”

Heather revealed her cancer diagnosis earlier this month.

Sharing a video on Instagram, the EastEnders star wrote in the caption: “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.”

Heather told her followers she has been “forever changed” by the disease and paid tribute to her wife Ellie and their three daughters, Annie, Jessie and Lola, for getting her through it.

She said she was “just trying to appreciate every moment of them”.

Heather added: “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).

“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.”

Heather ended her post admitting “life feels very different now” but said “it’s wonderful”.

She said: “I will continue to cherish and be grateful for all I am blessed with. I feel very lucky. With love, Heather xxx”