EastEnders star Samantha Womack has revealed she has breast cancer.
The actress, who played Ronnie Mitchell in the popular soap, shared her diagnosis as she paid tribute to the late Olivia Newton-John.
Alongside a photo of her and the Grease star, the 49-year-old tweeted: “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.”
“I now start my own battle with this disease and am left feeling deeply moved,” she added.
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. I now start my own battle with this disease and am left feeling deeply moved. #OliviaNewtonJohn pic.twitter.com/7vkgT5oCMf
— Sam Womack (@Sam_Womack) August 9, 2022
A host of Samantha’s celebrity friends rushed to send her well wishes.
This Morning’s soap expert Sharon Marshall tweeted: “Wishing you love and strength ❤️”.
Actress Lucia Keskin wrote: “Sending strength. Love you loads!!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️.”
Referencing Sam’s upcoming stint in the West End production of ‘The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe’, comedian Shappi Khorsandi added: “Sending the most brilliant White Witch support and love x”
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Olivia Newton-John died on Monday morning aged 73, after a 30-year battle with breast cancer.
The Australian actress and singer was best known for her role as Sandy in Grease.
Her husband, John Easterling, wrote in a statement: “Dame Olivia Newton-John (73) passed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends. We ask that everyone please respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.”
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He continued: “Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer.”
“Her healing inspiration and pioneering experience with plant medicine continues with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, dedicated to researching plant medicine and cancer. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made in her memory to the @onjfoundation.”
“Olivia is survived by her husband John Easterling; daughter Chloe Lattanzi; sister Sarah Newton-John; brother Toby Newton-John; nieces and nephews Tottie, Fiona and Brett Goldsmith; Emerson, Charlie, Zac, Jeremy, Randall, and Pierz Newton-John; Jude Newton-Stock, Layla Lee; Kira and Tasha Edelstein; and Brin and Valerie Hall.”
