Coronation Street star Kate Ford has given fans an insight into working alongside battling a chronic illness.
The Tracy Barlow actress confessed to fans on Friday that filming while suffering from endometriosis can be a struggle at times.
Kate, 45, has been a regular face on the ITV soap for almost two decades, and is currently the centre of a new storyline involving on-screen daughter Amy Barlow introducing her new love interest to Tracey and her on-screen husband Steve McDonald.
Filming scenes for the long-running soap opera can be long and tiring at times for the stars, and on Friday Kate opened up about how tough it can be also battling a health condition.
Sharing a on-set selfie with her 110,000 followers on Instagram, the mum-of-one sent love to anyone else also suffering from endometriosis.
The snap saw the star struggle to smile for the camera while wearing her red ITV filming coat at work.
"Filming #itvcorrie this was a few weeks ago at a time that I was struggling with my #endrometriosis ," Kate captioned the candid shot.
"Luckily got lots of support x just sending a hug out to all those struggling with similar [red love heart emoji].
Endometriosis is a long-term condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in other places, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes.
Many of Kate's followers and celebrity pals praised her for being so honest and upfront about life with the condition.
Shobna Gulati - who played Sunita Alahan on the ITV soap - told her former co-star: "You are so strong xxx and beautiful."
Current co-star Samia Longchambon - who plays Maria Windass - also acknowledged her colleague's update, leaving a series of heart and hugging emojis under Kate's post.
One fan commented: "The struggle is real! Glad you’re feeling better. I enjoy you on Corrie so much, love the “softer” Tracy!"
"From a fellow endometriosis sufferer to another.. Boss it babe," another added.
Kate often speaks about how she copes with the condition that can leave many sufferers in severe pain.
In 2020 - in the midst of lockdown - the actress took to Twitter to let her fans know she was struggling to get through one day due to crippling symptoms and aches.
Many related to the star's tweet and praised her for discussing an issue that impacts many of women across the country.
Chatting with the Mirror about her initial tweet, Kate added: "Endometriosis is a chronic condition that has affected me for many years and every month is a struggle.
"As well as pain, there are also psychological symptoms. I’m working alongside a fabulous gynaecologist now to try to manage the condition.
"I’m pleased my Tweet has raised awareness for a condition that is not fully understood."
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