EastEnders’ Heather Peace reveals how she kept cancer diagnosis hidden from viewers for eight months
HEATHER Peace has revealed how she was able to keep her breast cancer diagnosis a secret from EastEnders viewers for eight months.
The 49-year-old actress last night told how she’s battling the disease, telling fans in an emotional post that she’d finished chemotherapy.
Heather, who stars as Eve Unwin in EastEnders, explained how she managed to hide her health battle while undergoing treatment.
Explaining she’d been wearing a wig, she said: “Thank you to the whole EE team for going above & beyond. Particularly our amazing makeup team.
“And to Alex Rouss for the original wig & Linda for the spot on cut.”
Last night Heather posted a video showing her having a wig fitting, making her heartbreaking revelation.
She said: “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.
“I’ve been on quite a road for many months now.
“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.”
Heather shared the overwhelming feeling that came with ending her treatment, adding: “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.
“To conclude – I’ve just picked up my medal.”
Heather – who previously starred as Sally Fields in London’s Burning – joined EastEnders in 2021 and Eve quickly became a huge fan favourite.
Earlier this year Eve and wife Suki Panesar [Balvinder Sopal] made soap history when they became the lesbian couple to tie the knot on EastEnders.
What are the signs of breast cancer?
BREAST cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK.
The majority of women who get it are over 50, but younger women and, in rare cases, men can also get breast cancer.
If it’s treated early enough, breast cancer can be prevented from spreading to other parts of the body.
Breast cancer can have a number of symptoms, but the first noticeable symptom is usually a lump or area of thickened breast tissue.
Most breast lumps aren’t cancerous, but it’s always best to have them checked by your doctor. You should also speak to your GP if you notice any of the following:
- a change in the size or shape of one or both breasts
- discharge from either of your nipples (which may be streaked with blood)
- a lump or swelling in either of your armpits
- dimpling on the skin of your breasts
- a rash on or around your nipple
- a change in the appearance of your nipple, such as becoming sunken into your breast
Source: NHS