EastEnders actress Heather Peace has revealed she has been privately battling breast cancer since October 2023 and has now completed chemotherapy.
The 49-year-old, who plays Eve Unwin in the BBC soap, shared the emotional update with fans on Instagram on Monday, posting a video of herself trying on a wig in a dressing room – a moment she described as part of her “recent journey.”
“I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the beginning of October,” she wrote. “Since then I’ve undergone surgery and recovery over the Christmas period and today my chemotherapy journey ended.”
Peace described the milestone as a huge personal moment, saying: “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.”
Reflecting on how her life has changed over the past several months, Peace shared: “I’m forever changed. I’ve had the most precious time with my wife Ellie and our 3 girls; Annie, Jessie & Lola. Just trying to appreciate every moment of them. I’ve stayed still.”
Despite the challenges, the actress said the experience brought unexpected joy.
BBC
“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,” she wrote, calling the experience “a personal shift” with “so many positives.”
She also thanked the EastEnders team for their support, especially the makeup department: “Thank you to the whole EE team for going above & beyond. Particularly our amazing makeup team… I felt totally supported.”
Peace extended her gratitude to her local community and the NHS, saying: “Thank you to all of the friends in my local community who’ve been there for me and my family at the drop of a hat. Thank you to the NHS. You are wonderful, skilled people.”
Ending on a hopeful note, she added: “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 post was met with an outpouring of love and support from fans and co-stars.
EastEnders actress Kellie Bright wrote: “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…. WARRIOR WOMAN!!!! Love the bones of you.”
Emma Barton added: “Love you so much, you beautiful, strong, mental, brave lady… You’re frigging Ace!!!”
Messages also came in from Adam Woodyatt, Lacey Turner, and Ellie Dadd, praising her bravery and calling her an inspiration.
