EastEnders star shares cancer battle with candid post as BBC co-stars rush to support: ‘Truly inspirational’
EastEnders actress Heather Peace has revealed she has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
The 49-year-old star, who plays Eve Panesar-Unwin in the BBC soap, shared the news with fans on Instagram this evening.
Peace confirmed she has undergone both chemotherapy and surgery since receiving her diagnosis in October last year.
The actress posted a video of herself trying on a wig in a dressing room as part of what she described as her “recent journey”.
In her emotional post, Peace told followers that she had completed her chemotherapy treatment today, describing it as reaching “the finish line” of a marathon.
Taking to Instagram, Peace wrote: “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.”
She explained the timeline of her treatment: “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.”
The actress described the emotional milestone of completing her treatment: “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.” She added: “To conclude – I’ve just picked up my medal.”
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Peace reflected on how the experience has transformed her outlook on life, sharing: “I’m 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.”
The actress found unexpected positives amid her health battle as she noted: “I’ve found joy in the simplest of things.
“Interactions with others have felt honest and real because I’ve had no capacity for small talk.”
She described the experience as “a personal shift,” noting that there have been “so many positives” despite the challenging circumstances.
Peace expressed gratitude to the EastEnders team, saying: “Thank you to the whole EE team for going above & beyond. Particularly our amazing makeup team.”
She specifically thanked “Alex Rouss for the original wig & Linda for the spot on cut,” adding that she “felt totally supported” by everyone.
The actress also acknowledged her local community and the NHS in her message.
“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. Thank you to the NHS. You are wonderful, skilled people,” she wrote.
Peace concluded her post on a positive note: “Life feels very different now and it’s wonderful. I will continue to cherish and be grateful for all I am blessed with. I feel very lucky.”
Peace’s co-stars and fans soon flooded the comment section with supportive messages, with fellow EastEnders star Kellie Bright, who plays Linda Carter in the soap, writing: “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…. WARRIOR WOMAN!!!! Love the bones of you.”
Honey Mitchell star Emma Barton shared: “Love you so much, you beautiful, strong, mental, brave lady… You’re frigging Ace!!!”
Adam Woodyatt, who plays classic character Ian Beale in the soap, simply left three hearts in the comments.
Lacey Turner, who portrays Stacey Slater, penned: “My superhero!! Love you always mate,” while Ellie Dadd, who stars as Amy Mitchell, added: “Such an amazing person inside and out, truly inspirational.” (sic)