Victoria Ekanoye giggled that she is “letting the girls have their day” as she rocked an incredibly busty dress on the Pride of Manchester Awards red carpet.
The Coronation Street star, 40, has been battling breast cancer since October last year, and has been candid about her health struggles with fans and the general public.
The actress – who played Angie Appleton on the cobbles – was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ, with cancer cells developing in the milk ducts of her breasts, and underwent a double mastectomy in December to treat the disease.
Earlier this year, she said she had to decide whether to undergo chemotherapy or hormone therapy treatment, as the fifth member of her family to be diagnosed with breast cancer.
Appearing at the Pride of Manchester Awards to celebrate the city’s heroes last week, Victoria rocked a floor-length black gown with a cut-out section over her chest, covered only with three metal buckles which left little to the imagination.
(Image: WireImage)
The star had her toned arms and collarbone on full display as she wore her brunette tresses in elegant braids tossed over her shoulders, pairing the look with sparkly silver earrings.
Victoria rocked a natural make-up look as she posed for pictures on the red carpet, opting for a nude lip shade and bold eyeliner while beaming for the cameras.
Speaking exclusively to Daily Star at the star-studded event, Victoria dished on the inspiration behind her incredible outfit.
She said: “Well, I guess I’m allowing the girls to have a day of their own after everything that’s happened!
(Image: Getty Images)
“It’s been quite crazy. Obviously it’s been a lot for the family, but when you get those messages [of support] it kind of makes you feel that it’s worth it to be so open.
“It makes you feel really vulnerable, but it’s been really overwhelming in a good way.”
Victoria then gestured to her fiancé Jonny Lomas as she gave an update on her health journey, explaining: “I’ve been really, really good – thanks to this one!”
(Image: REX/Shutterstock)
Victoria first found the lump in her breast while breastfeeding her newborn baby, admitting to The Sun: “I cried. I knew I would have to tell people I love and care about. I hate worrying them. Breastfeeding saved me. I may not have detected it otherwise.
“When they told me it was very treatable and potentially surgery would be curative, there was no option but the double mastectomy.”
She added that having the surgery was “peace of mind”, explaining: “I wanted to eliminate as much risk as possible.”
The MEN Pride of Manchester Awards, in partnership with TSB, will premiere on YouTube at 7pm on Tuesday 17th May.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
