EastEnders star Heather Peace reveals she continued to film after cancer diagnosis because she thought she'd DIE
The 50-year-old, who plays Eve Unwin on the BBC One soap, was diagnosed with breast cancer in October last year but despite her health issues, she bravely continued to film for the soap.
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Her character was embroiled in dramatic scenes which included her wedding to Suki Panesar as well as being poisoned by Suki's ex-husband Nish Panesar.
Revealing why she decided to continue working, she told Gaby Roslin on her podcast that she wanted to film the important scenes because she feared she would die.
The former Waterloo Road star expressed: 'We got back to Brighton at 7 o'clock, and I was on the road at 10 past five that morning, to Elstree, to start possibly the two biggest weeks that I've done on EastEnders.'
Heather explained that she had told bosses about her diagnosis and was told she didn't need to come in while she was taking in the life-changing news as well as undergoing treatment.
'I said 'I need to come in' because at this point I don't know what's going to happen,' she continued.
'And I want to finish this arc of the story. Not coming in for the next two weeks is not going to change anything, but at least let me put the full stop on a story that's been playing out for nearly two and a half years.
'If we get to the end of that and we see them get married and we see them successful, if beyond that it's a mess, I can leave and feel like I've put a full stop on something."
The soap star went on to have chemotherapy as well as undergoing a left breast mastectomy and a reconstruction.
Just as she's about to begin radiotherapy, Heather revealed the heartbreaking news last week that her wife Ellie has also been diagnosed with the disease.
She told the Mirror: 'Her breast cancer was a smaller, aggressive lump, so she had a lumpectomy and then radiotherapy.
EastEnders actress reveals secret cancer battle as she's supported by co-stars in emotional video
"Of course then I come along with my 12 cm lump, absolutely ginormous, and mastectomy, chemotherapy, just about to go into radiotherapy.
"She's like 'Even that you have to do bigger.' It's like 'Hold my beer.'"
Last month Heather shared a video on Instagram of her at a wig fitting and captioned it with a heartfelt message.
She divulged: 'This video is an important part of my recent journey, which I wanted to share with you.
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'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.
"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."
She also took the opportunity to thank the EastEnders team for 'going above and beyond' and 'felt totally supported' by them.
Heather concluded her post on a positive note as she said: 'I will continue to cherish and be grateful for all I am blessed with. I feel very lucky. With love, Heather xxx"
Her co-star, Kellie Bright, who plays Linda Carter on the show, was quick to comment on the post and sent warm wishes to her pal.
She gushed: 'I've said it before and I'll say it again…. WARRIOR WOMAN!!!! Love the bones of you."
Heather joined the long-running soap back in 2021 as Stacey Slater's prison pal-turned-wife and has been involved in a number of huge storylines over the past four years.
Her character Eve was involved in an affair with Suki before being left for dead by Ravi Gulati and nearly killed on her wedding day on New Year's Day.
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