EastEnders actress Heather Peace has revealed she has had surgery and chemotherapy after being diagnosed with breast cancer last year.
The 49-year-old has played Eve Panesar-Unwin in the BBC soap since 2021, and has also starred in shows including Holby City, Waterloo Road and London’s Burning.
“I’ve been on quite a road for many months now,” she wrote on Instagram on Monday alongside a video of having a wig fitted. “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.”
She likened the end of her treatment to reaching the finish line in the London Marathon. “To conclude – I’ve just picked up my medal,” she wrote.
“But I’m forever changed. During this time I’ve narrowed my world.”
She said she had spent “the most precious time” with her wife and three daughters, “just trying to appreciate every moment of them”.
“I’ve stayed still,” she continued. “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. It has felt like such a personal shift. There have been so many positives.”
Peace has also continued to appear on screen in recent months, and thanked the EastEnders team for “going above & beyond”.
She also thanked “all of the friends in my local community who’ve been there for me and my family at the drop of a hat (you know who you are)”.
She added: “Thank you to the NHS. You are wonderful, skilled people. You treated me efficiently. You gave me dignity and showed me kindness. It’s so appreciated.
“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.”
Her EastEnders co-stars rallied round to send their support, with Lacey Turner – who plays Eve’s ex-wife Stacey Slater – replying: “My superhero!! Love you always mate.”
Kellie Bright, aka Linda Carter, added: “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again… WARRIOR WOMAN!!!! Love the bones of you.”
Diane Parish, known to viewers as Denise Fox, posted: “Tough and courageously vulnerable. That makes a true warrior. Admire you more than you could know. We got you all the way!”
Emma Barton, who plays the soap’s Honey Mitchell, wrote: “Love you so much, you beautiful, strong, mental, brave lady… You’re frigging Ace!!!”
Navin Chowdhry, who played Nish Panesar, said: “All the love in the world Heather. You are Glowing!! And what a magical team to have by your side.”
