TV star and actress Lisa Faulkner, 54, has revealed that she underwent surgery for early-stage breast cancer and has since received the all-clear. The actor and presenter, known for her roles in Holby City and EastEnders, had been notably absent from social media in recent weeks before returning on Thursday to share the news with her followers.
Faulkner's Instagram Announcement
In a video posted to Instagram, Faulkner said: "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."
Faulkner, who has presented John and Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen alongside her husband, former MasterChef judge John Torode, since 2019, confirmed that the operation had been successful. She added: "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."
Urging Mammogram Attendance
She went on to urge her followers not to delay their mammogram appointments, stating: "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."
Faulkner concluded her video by expressing gratitude: "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
Lisa, who also starred in the Netflix hit Missing You, was overwhelmed with messages of support from fans, followers, and celebrity friends. EastEnders actress Emma Barton simply said: "Love you Lisa," accompanied by a red heart emoji, whilst Catherine Tyldesley, who plays Eva Price in Coronation Street, said "Sending love." Angela Lonsdale, who recently joined the cast of Emmerdale, wrote: "Big love to you lisa x x," and fellow soap star Tamzin Outhwaite said: "Love you Lise. You've got this my darling."
Kate Lawler, who rose to prominence after winning Big Brother and now regularly appears across This Morning and Loose Women, said: "Oh darling. Sending you huge amounts of love and healing hugs. I'm so pleased you went for your mammogram x".
Personal Reflections on Life and Health
Earlier this year, Faulkner expressed her desire to embrace fresh challenges in her 50s, particularly given that her mother Julie passed away from throat cancer aged just 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, Faulkner made her return to the stage for the first time in over 20 years, starring in the touring adaptation of the 1992 film Single White Female. She was eager to get involved with the production the moment she read the script.
