Former EastEnders actress Danniella Westbrook has proudly unveiled her new face in a fresh selfie, taken just after removing her bandages following a major reconstructive surgery last week. The 52-year-old star, lounging by a pool in Dubai, displayed a bruised and bloodied nose as she continues her recovery from the extensive procedure.
Years of Health Struggles Lead to Latest Operation
Danniella Westbrook has undergone multiple reconstructive operations over the years in a determined effort to repair her 'collapsing' face, a condition attributed to her past cocaine addiction and osteoporosis. This latest surgery, performed at Gargash Hospital, included a comprehensive face, neck, and brow lift, along with lip and nose reconstruction.
A Significant Step in Recovery
Appearing pleased with her progress, Danniella pouted for the camera in a blue halterneck bikini that highlighted her surgically-enhanced bust. This surgery marks a crucial milestone for the actress, who has faced prolonged challenges due to a collapsed septum, impacting both her health and career.
She entrusted her care to surgeon Dr. Parviz Sadigh, who has previously operated on her and now led this latest attempt to rebuild her facial structure. In an Instagram post shared last month, Danniella expressed gratitude, writing, 'A massive amount of love and respect to my Amazing surgeon @parvizsadigh for all his hard work. Everyday I grow and glow xxxx thank you and roll on Feb for the next operation.'
Career Setbacks and Health Complications
Danniella's health issues have directly affected her professional life. She was initially cast in the film Tales From The Trap, set to play a gun-selling, gangster granny opposite Love Island star Liv Hawkins, but was recast with Slow Horses actress Kim Tiddy due to respiratory struggles. Insiders exclusively told the Daily Mail that the star, who hasn't appeared in a film or TV show since mid-2016, required urgent medical attention, forcing her withdrawal from filming.
A source close to Danniella revealed in December, 'Danniella was rushed into hospital on Friday with breathing difficulties which meant she had to pull out of filming Tales From The Trap... She was due to make her movie comeback as a gangster granny selling AK47s to the gangsters. It's really disappointing as I am sure everyone was looking forward to seeing her play that part.'
Reflections on Past Addictions
Danniella Westbrook first rose to fame at age 16 on EastEnders, but her cocaine use led producers to terminate her contract, writing her out of the soap in 1996. She has openly discussed her addictions, stating, 'I was always in clubs and everyone was doing coke and it was glamorous – except obviously, it wasn't at all. I was just very young, very stupid and very easily led...'
She estimated spending around £250,000 on the drug and has advocated for better support for young actors, suggesting, 'I think there should be someone at EastEnders to say to young people when they come in, "Look, your life is about to change, you're going to be invited places, and you'll be offered drugs."... Someone who can tell them what sort of people are about, and what sort of papers, and how quickly what you've worked for all those years can be gone.'
Long Road to Facial Reconstruction
Last year, Danniella announced she was finally getting her face rebuilt, describing the surgery as 'very long'. In 2023, she admitted dissatisfaction with the results of a previous facial reconstruction, having waited seven years to find a surgeon willing to operate due to her septum's poor condition.
Her most recent TV appearance was on Celebrity Big Brother in 2016, where she reached the final and finished in first place. As she continues her recovery in Dubai, fans and followers are closely watching her journey toward improved health and potential career resurgence.
