EastEnders star Samantha Womack has thanked fans for their support since she revealed she is being treated for breast cancer, and given an update on her progress.
The actress, 49, said she had undergone a lumpectomy and is now about to start chemotherapy.
In a video shared with her 86,000 followers on Instagram, she said: “I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has been sending me love after I shared my story about battling with breast cancer.
“So just to tell you where I’m at, I’ve had my operation. I had a lumpectomy and lymph node removal, and I am now going to start my first session of chemotherapy.”
Womack added: “I have read all of your stories and messages. They’ve blown me away, genuinely. And I just wanted to say thank you. I’m very humbled by the fact that everyone has reached out. So, I’ll keep you posted. Just a huge thank you and sending you all lots of love.”
Womack, formerly Samantha Janus, is best known for her role as Ronnie Mitchell in the BBC soap EastEnders, which she starred in for 10 years until 2017.
She rose to fame as Mandy in the British comedy Game On in the 1990s, and has appeared in a number of films, television series and stage shows, including comedy drama Mount Pleasant and the film spy series Kingsman.
She initially planned a career in singing and represented the UK in the 1991 Eurovision Song Contest, performing A Message To Your Heart and finishing 10th.
The actress revealed she had breast cancer as she posted a tribute following the death of Australian star Olivia Newton-John, who had a long battle with the disease, in August.
Tweeting a photo showing her and her daughter Chloe with the Grease star, she wrote: “I now start my own battle with this disease.”
The photo was taken when Womack was playing Sandy in a West End production of the hit show.
Friends of the actress including TV presenter Denise van Outen, All Saints singer Natalie Appleton and fellow EastEnders star Tamzin Outhwaite are among those who have shared messages of support following her latest update, with Outhwaite writing: “Oh darling. Sending you love, light and positive energy. You are so strong and I know you will override all your obstacles.”
Two men have died after a stabbing in central London.
Police were called to a business premises in Long Lane, Southwark, at 1pm on Monday, where they found four people had been stabbed.
A 58-year-old man died at the scene while three others were taken to hospital, the Metropolitan Police said. These included a 27-year-old man who has since died.
A third man, who is in his thirties, remains in hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening.
Another man in his thirties, who has been detained in connection with the incident, remains in a life-threatening condition in hospital.
Detective Chief Superintendent Emma Bond said: “Our investigation is in the early stages and we are working hard to understand the full circumstances of this shocking incident.
“At this point, we do not believe it to be terrorism-related and there is no further risk to the public.”
The red carpet was rolled out at No 10 on Monday evening as the Lionesses attended a reception to celebrate their Euro 2025 victory.
The England squad went straight to Downing Street after touching down at Southend Airport in Essex less than 24 hours after they defeated Spain in a penalty shootout in Sunday’s final.
Led by captain Leah Williamson, who proudly clutched the trophy, the side posed for pictures outside No 10 before being greeted by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner.
Image: The England squad outside No 10. Pic: PA
Image: Leah Williamson carries the trophy. Pic: AP
Speaking to Sky News correspondent Ashna Hurynag after the 40-minute reception, England manager Sarina Wiegman described the celebration as “very, very special”.
“To be able to go inside and also be in the garden there, [was] really nice,” she said. “They had put up pictures of us to show what we had done in the Euros… it was very, very special.”
Some people on social media have called for the England boss – who is from the Netherlands – to get an honorary damehood, but Wiegman told Ashna Hurynag that she “hasn’t thought about that”.
“I feel so much respect from England and from the Royal Family too, I think that’s the most important thing, feeling valued,” she said.
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Weigman also joined some of the players to videocall Sir Keir Starmer, who was in Scotland with Donald Trump.
Image: England manager Sarina Wiegman and some of the players on a video call with Sir Keir Starmer. Pic: Reuters
Image: Pic: PA
Image: Angela Rayner congratulates some of the players. Pic: Reuters
In a speech at the reception, the manager quipped: “I have to make my apologies [for giving] you lots of heart attacks.”
“We made it through and that’s why we’re here now,” she continued.
“The team is just incredible, we won the Euros but making the final, we’re already legendary. Thank you so much for having us here.”
As the Lionesses left Downing Street, some stopped to try and meet another famous feline – Larry the Cat.
Image: Sarina Wiegman and Leah Williamson in the garden at No 10. Pic: PA
Image: England’s Esme Morgan, Anna Moorhouse and Grace Clinton try and get Larry the Cat’s attention. Pic: PA
The celebrations will continue on Tuesday afternoon with an open-top bus parade through central London before the team gather outside Buckingham Palace.
The Lionesses retained their Women’s Euros title on Sunday night by beating Spain in Basel, Switzerland.
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Behind the scenes after Lionesses’ win
Mariona Caldentey put Spain 1-0 ahead in the first half, but England’s Alessia Russo levelled the score in the 57th minute.
The game finished 1-1 after 90 minutes, with the score remaining the same at the end of extra-time.