Former Emmerdale star Liam Fox has issued a warning to his Instagram followers after undergoing surgery to remove cancerous cells.

The Dan Spencer actor took to the social media site to share a selfie of his bandaged forehead after the procedure, revealing that he had had a basal cell carcinoma (BCC) removed.

BCC is a common form of skin cancer that is often easily treatable and caused by exposure to ultraviolet light, from the sun or sun beds.

He went on to praise the staff in the plastic surgery department at St Helen’s Hospital for being a ‘superb fun friendly team’, before urging his followers to stay out of the sun.

He recently followed up the post with another selfie, this time without the bandage, where alongside more praise for the team at the hospital, he wrote: ‘Another reminder to cover up…I’ve been using plenty of sun screen for decades, this could likely be damage from my teens when I didn’t think about the dangers.’

He went on to make light of the situation, adding: ‘At least I’m perfect for gangster castings now!’

His followers were quick to send their well wishes, with one writing: ‘Wishing you a speedy recovery, Liam. I hope it’s all sorted for you matey.’

In a reply to the comment, Liam revealed that it had taken a while to get the diagnosis.

‘I had to keep pushing for a long time to be heard mate… fobbed off for ages,’ he explained.

‘Sending hugs pal,’ another follower said, while a third added: ‘Take care, mate.’

Liam is best known to soap fans for playing the role of Dan Spencer in Emmerdale.

He first appeared in the role in 2011, and remained a permanent fixture in the Dales until his exit in 2023.