EastEnders star Samantha Womack has shared a health update with fans after her breast cancer diagnosis.
The 49-year-old actress, who played Ronnie Mitchell in the BBC soap, logged into her Instagram on Thursday (October 6) to thank her 87,000 followers for their support.
She announced her news to the world in August as she shared a touching tribute to late Grease star Olivia Newton-John, who passed away from breast cancer.
READ MORE: EastEnders’ Samantha Womack reveals she has cancer as she pays tribute to late star
Chatting to the camera, Samatha explained: “Hey, I just want to say thank you to everyone who has been sending me love after I shared my story about battling breast cancer.
(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
“So, just to tell you, I’ve had my operation, I had a lumpectomy and lymph node removal and I am now going to start my first session of chemotherapy tomorrow.”
She concluded: “I have read all your stories and messages, they’ve blown me away, genuinely.
“I just wanted to say thank you, I am very humbled by the fact that everyone has reached out and yea so, I’ll keep you posted.
“Just a huge thank you, sending you all lots of love.”
(Image: Instagram/ @samzjanus)
In addition to her fans, Samantha’s famous friends rushed to the comments to extend their support.
Ex-EastEnders actress Tamzin Outhwaite wrote: “Oh darling. Sending you love , light and positive energy. You are so strong and I know you will override all your obstacles.”
While Denise Van Outen added: “Sending so much love to you Sam.”
Samantha revealed she had been diagnosed with breast cancer on August 9.
(Image: Instagram/ @samzjanus)
In a tribute to Olivia Newton John following her death, Samantha tweeted a picture of the pair with Olivia’s daughter Chloe, taken when Samantha had played Sandy in the 1993 West End production of Grease.
Samantha captioned the image: “This was the most magical of evenings. Olivia and Chloe had come to see Grease in London and we had dinner together afterwards.
“I was so excited and in awe, she was my childhood. I now start my own battle with this disease and am left feeling deeply moved. #OliviaNewtonJohn.”
Samantha is currently starring as the White Witch in The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe, which is running until January.
She is a mum to two children, Lili and Benji, with former husband Mark Womack, who previously appeared in ITV soap Emmerdale.
They split up four years ago, but have carried on living together.
For the past two years Samantha has been dating actor Oliver Farnworth, 40, and the three of them now form a “blended parenting unit”.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
