Lucy Davis made her first public appearance since revealing her cancer diagnosis, keeping her promise to meet fans at a fantasy and sci-fi convention in London. Her father, Jasper Carrott, was there to support her.
The 53-year-old actress, known for playing Dawn Tinsley in the BBC version of The Office, announced earlier this month that she has "incurable" stage 4 breast cancer, saying it is "too late" for chemo. She has said she is not afraid of what lies ahead.
First public appearance at London convention
Davis appeared at the For the Love of Fantasy & Sci-Fi convention at London's ExCeL this weekend, alongside her Shaun Of The Dead co-star Simon Pegg. Her father, the writer, actor and comic Jasper, was seen backstage making sure it was not all too much for her.
After receiving a warm welcome on stage, Davis said the support of fans has left her feeling hopeful. She said: "It's like this whole second family you never knew you had. Everyone is like a community, friendly, supportive of us, but you guys and each other. So I'm quite hopeful about that, to be honest."
Family support and emotional message
Jasper Carrott had previously applauded his daughter's bravery. "This is a very difficult time for the whole family and we have been supporting her in every way possible since her diagnosis," he told the BBC. "We are so grateful for all the support we have had over this trying time and we are very hopeful for her future being what she wants it to be."
He added: "We are so proud of our daughter and love her so much. The way she has conducted herself through many traumatic health issues is a lesson to us all."
At the convention, Davis also gave an emotional statement about refusing to allow other people to tell you what you can achieve in life. Asked what advice she would offer others trying to pursue their ambitions, she said: "Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do or be anything that you want to do or be."
Cancer diagnosis and public response
Fans commented on an Instagram video of her appearance, with one saying: "Credit to Lucy for pushing through and doing this. See Jasper there keeping watch. Really feel for them," while another said it was "heartbreaking watching Lucy struggling to walk".
Davis shared her diagnosis less than two weeks before the convention. She revealed the cancer had metastasised to her bones, including her spine, right hip and ribs, and accepted there is little more medics can do. She explained that the first sign had been a tiny hard spot which she almost did not get checked, and used her announcement to urge others not to dismiss changes in their bodies.
She wrote: "A year and a half ago I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer, which has metastasized to my bones. Specifically to my spine, right hip, and my ribs. The cancer is incurable, and too late for chemo."
She added: "The initial lump that I felt, wasn't a 'lump' as such; rather a kind of hard spot. Really tiny. I almost didn't bother getting it checked. So I guess I'm saying don't ignore anything - get everything checked out:)"
Davis continued: "As of now, I'm trying to live out whatever might be left of my life in as fun a way as I possibly can. I always like to find the teachable moments in anything negative that happens. And cancer has not disappointed in that regard; there's a lot I have learned from it, and I'm grateful for that."
She explained that standing and walking for too long can be hard, and she sometimes needs to use a wheelchair. She said humour has been vital to her, asking friends and family to make fun of her as much as possible and not to treat her like a sick person. She said: "I'm not scared of whatever comes next. I'm at peace with it. I'll see my Gracie [her dog, who died in 2024] sooner than expected, and for me, leaving my physical body just means going home. Any and all grieving is for my family; it's far harder for them than for me."
