Lisa Faulkner, the 54-year-old TV star and co-host of John and Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen, has revealed she underwent major surgery after being diagnosed with very early-stage breast cancer. In an emotional Instagram video posted on Thursday, July 2, she explained her recent silence, stating: "I just wanted to come on because I know I've been quiet on here. The reason being, that I've had to have surgery because I've had the very early stages of breast cancer. I had surgery two weeks ago and it was quite a big op."
Successful Surgery and Radiotherapy Plans
Faulkner confirmed that the operation went well and that doctors successfully removed all cancerous tissue. She will now undergo radiotherapy in a few weeks. "But it's all good and I've had my results back and they've got everything out so it's all clear and I just need now to have some radiotherapy in a few weeks," she said.
She emphasized the importance of regular mammograms, crediting the NHS for saving her life: "I just wanted to say I've got a bit of healing to do but I'm good, I'm well and feeling so much better and I'm so grateful that I went for my mammogram. Don't put them off - go! They found this, and without that mammogram, it wouldn't have been picked up. And I want to say thank you to our wonderful NHS and the fact that we can have these mammograms, get treatment early and treated quickly. I will see you all soon!"
Outpouring of Support from Celebrities and Fans
Faulkner, who has also acted in Holby City, EastEnders, and the Netflix series Missing You, received an overwhelming wave of support. EastEnders star Emma Barton wrote: "Love you Lisa," accompanied by a red heart emoji. Catherine Tyldesley, known for playing Eva Price in Coronation Street, offered: "Sending love." Angela Lonsdale, a recent addition to Emmerdale, posted: "Big love to you lisa x x," and soap colleague Tamzin Outhwaite commented: "Love you Lise. You've got this my darling." Kate Lawler, former Big Brother winner and This Morning regular, responded: "Oh darling. Sending you huge amounts of love and healing hugs. I'm so pleased you went for your mammogram x."
Embracing Life After Loss
Earlier this year, Faulkner expressed her determination to seize new opportunities in her 50s, especially given that her mother, Julie, died from throat cancer at age 44. "I feel lucky to get to an age where you've got more to give and you're not invisible. Women are brilliant and we're picking each other up and looking out for each other. Life's short. My mum died when she was 44 and didn't get to have that second act. So I grab it," she told Hello magazine.
This year also marked Faulkner’s stage comeback after more than two decades, starring in a touring production based on the 1992 film Single White Female. She was eager to join the project after reading the script.
