Samantha Womack has offered fans an update after she revealed she has been diagnosed with breast cancer. The former EastEnders star shared her diagnosis in August following the death of Olivia Newton-John.
The actress, who was much loved by fans for playing Ronnie Mitchell in the BBC One soap, shared a picture alongside Olivia, whose passing was announced on August 8. She penned: "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."
She then added: "I now start my own battle with this disease and am left feeling deeply moved." Samantha's post was soon flooded with support and well-wishes. She has now offered an update ahead of her first chemotherapy session today (Friday, October 10).
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In a video posted to social media, the actress explained she has had an operation. She underwent a lumpectomy, which aims to remove cancer or abnormal tissue from the breast, and a lymph node removal. Speaking to the camera, Samantha said: 'Hey, I just want to say thankyou to everyone who has been sending me love after I shared my story about battling breast cancer.
"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 added: "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."
She simply captioned the post: " Thank you," with a heart, rainbow and kissing lips emoji. As well as her fans, Samantha's famous friends rushed to the comments to share their love and support. Former on-screen sister Rita Simons, who played Roxy Mitchell in EastEnders, said: "I love you so very much my absolute soldier."
Glynis Barber, who played Samantha's mum in EastEnders and now appears in Hollyoaks, commented: "Sending you so much love my darling. Take very good care of yourself." All Saints singer Melanie Blatt replied: " Sending love and strength Sam." Presenter and actress Denise Van Outen wrote: " Sending so much love to you Sam."
Actress Tamzin Outhwaite posted: "Oh darling. Sending you love , light and positive energy. You are so strong and I know you will override all your obstacles." Former Coronation Street star Charlie Condou added: " Sending you so much love darling."
Samantha's continued fight against the disease comes weeks after she was left heartbroken by the death of her dog. The 49-year-old posted several pictures of her beloved pet, Lola, in a tribute to the pup on Instagram. She wrote: "My heart is broken. My soulmate Lola. Cannot cope with losing you, not now ………." Again, the emotional post was met with condolences from many of the same celebrity names and fans.
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