Former Coronation Street actress Ellie Leach has urged women not to skip their smear tests after her own results revealed abnormal cells and HPV, leading to a procedure to remove pre-cancerous cells.
Leach, best known for playing Faye Windass in the ITV soap, shared her experience on Friday's Good Morning Britain (September 11). She told presenters Kate Garraway and Ranvir Singh that she attended her first ever smear test, and although nervous, she knew she had to do it. After a long wait, her results came back abnormal, and she also tested positive for HPV.
Procedure to remove pre-cancerous cells
When Kate asked whether this indicated a pre-cancerous condition, Ellie confirmed, adding that HPV is actually quite common. She said: "A lot of people will have it and not realise they have it. My cells also came back abnormal, so I had to go for another in-depth smear test, and they said, 'Your cells are pre-cancerous'. So, I ended up having to have an LLETZ procedure, where they remove the cells from your cervix."
She stressed the importance of attending the test, saying: "If I hadn't ever gone for my first ever smear test, I wouldn't have known, and I wouldn't have been able to have that procedure done and hopefully have removed those cells that are pre-cancerous."
Importance of smear tests despite HPV vaccination
Kate acknowledged the alarming nature of the news but emphasised how crucial it is not to be frightened of getting a smear test. She responded: "100%, I've had so many messages from women saying, 'I didn't realise I had to go for my smear test because I've had my HPV vaccination'. You still definitely do, it's so important."
Ranvir and Kate praised Ellie for speaking openly about her journey, noting that it was a topic not freely discussed in the past. Ellie first discussed her health scare on social media in July, posting a video detailing the entire process to her followers.
Support from followers
The 25-year-old received an outpouring of support, with many commending her openness. One commenter said: "This is why social media is so important, sharing things like this!" Another posted: "As a practice nurse THANK YOU for doing this, you have shown how important a smear test is!!!!"
Others remarked: "This is why smear tests and mammograms are important" and "Thank you for being so real and promoting this." One person added: "As a practice nurse, THANK YOU for doing this, you have shown how important a smear test is!!!!" while another wrote: "Amazing video! Thanks for sharing your experience, glad you're okay."
Good Morning Britain airs on ITV weekdays from 6am.
