National Treasure Wendy Richard was known as one of the most-loved British actresses in television.
Appearing in the hit comedy series Are You Being Served from 1972 to 1985, the star went on to play another major role starring as Pauline Fowler in BBC’s EastEnders in 1985.
Known as the nation’s sweetheart, Wendy became an integral part of the show and was involved in several hard-hitting storylines.
READ MORE: When is Alfie Moon back on EastEnders? What Shane Richie has done since exit
But although things appeared to be going smoothly with her career, Wendy suffered major health battles away from the cameras.
The actress was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1996 and was given the all-clear. But she later experienced a recurrence of the disease in 2002.
After years of treatment, her cancer appeared to go into remission and she was given a clean bill of health again in 2005.
However, three years later, the disease returned in her left armpit and it was more aggressive than the last. This third bout of cancer sadly resulted in Wendy’s death in February 2009. She was 65 years old.
But as her legacy still continues to live on, Daily Star has taken a look inside her will and her last wishes.
Wendy discusses her health
(Image: FilmMagic)
In October 2008, Wendy spoke openly about her cancer to Daily Express and how it has become worsened.
She revealed how she received the shock diagnosis in January and explained: “I went for my usual annual check-up and they found that some cancer cells had returned in my left armpit.
“Sadly, the cancer has spread. The drugs I was given to help had an adverse effect. If anything, they did more damage than good so my health has really deteriorated. Now I have cancerous growth on my right kidney and the cancer has spread to my bones.
“Twice I’ve had breast cancer but this is different. It’s more aggressive this time, unfortunately, and has spread to the top of my spine and left ribs.”
John Burns marriage
(Image: JOHN FERGUSON)
As soon as Wendy was diagnosed with cancer for the third time, she headed straight to a solicitor as she did not want her partner of almost 13 years John Burns , to be “left behind with a mess to sort out”.
Before John, Wendy was previously married to three other men.
Following her last divorce, Wendy started a relationship with John who was 20 years her junior. However, despite living with each other for 13 years, the couple decided to tie the knot before Wendy passed away.
Speaking openly she said: “We were going to get married anyway but when we got the diagnosis we decided to push ahead and get married now. There was no rush before.
“I’ve looked at it from both sides of the coin. If I get better, which hopefully I will, all well and good, but, worst-case scenario and I do pass away, John is secure because I have made my will and drawn up what arrangements I would like for my funeral and what music I would like played, so I’ve tried to think of everything.”
Final wishes
Following Wendy’s tragic death, reports claimed that she planned to leave her £2 million estate to her former Walford co-star Natalie Cassidy, who is known for playing the role of Sonia in the hit BBC show.
But this would only be the case if her husband John died within 28 days of her.
Natalie’s character Sonia was the daughter-in-law of her character Pauline Fowler on EastEnders and regarded the Albert Square legend as a “second mum”.
According to reports, actress Natalie reportedly received cookbooks and jewellery from the will, while Wendy’s stepdaughters Jade, 16, and Shannen, 18, inherited jewellery and £5,000 each.
Apart from her stepdaughters, Wendy never had any children of her own.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
