The Office star Lucy Davis has been surrounded by support from her family after revealing she has been diagnosed with incurable stage 4 breast cancer. The 53-year-old actress, best known for playing Dawn Tinsley in Ricky Gervais’ hit BBC sitcom, revealed this week that the cancer has metastasised to her bones, including her spine, right hip and ribs.
Family Support and Public Statement
Lucy explained that she was first diagnosed around 18 months ago but chose to keep her illness private until now, telling fans she is trying to live whatever time she has left ‘in as fun a way as I possibly can’.
Her famous father, comedian Jasper Carrott, has since spoken publicly about the family’s heartbreak and pride in his daughter. He told The Sun in a statement: ‘This is a very difficult time for the whole family and we have been supporting her in every way possible since her diagnosis.
‘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.
‘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.
‘We would request privacy for the coming months, but thanks once again for the love and concern shown by so many people.’
Who Are Lucy Davis’ Parents?
Lucy is the daughter of comedian and actor Jasper Carrott (real name Robert Norman Davis) and his wife Hazel Jackson. Jasper, 81, has been a fixture of British comedy for decades, beginning his career performing folk songs before discovering that audiences were increasingly drawn to the jokes and stories he told between them.
He went on to become known for his anecdotal stand-up routines and television shows including Carrott’s Lib, Carrott Confidential, Canned Carrott, and Carrott’s Commercial Breakdown. He also starred opposite Robert Powell in spoof police drama The Detectives and later hosted ITV game show Golden Balls.
Away from performing, Jasper was part-owner of production company Celador, which made Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?, and he and Hazel reportedly sold their shares in the company in 2006. The couple married in 1972 and have remained together ever since.
Previous Marriage and Career
Lucy was previously married to Welsh actor Owain Yeoman. The pair tied the knot on December 9, 2006 at St Paul’s Cathedral, with members of The Office cast and writing team among those attending the wedding. Their marriage later came to an end in 2011, with the couple citing irreconcilable differences during their divorce. Lucy and Owain did not have any children together.
The actress has largely kept her personal life away from the spotlight while continuing to work in television and film. After finding fame as receptionist Dawn in The Office, she went on to appear as Etta Candy in Wonder Woman and also starred in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.
Lucy Davis’ Own Words on Diagnosis
Lucy revealed that she was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer a year and a half ago after discovering a tiny hard spot that she said she almost did not get checked. In an emotional message to followers, she explained that the cancer had spread to her bones and was now incurable.
‘The initial lump that I felt, wasn’t a “lump” as such; rather a kind of hard spot. Really tiny,’ she wrote. ‘I almost didn’t bother getting it checked. So I guess I’m saying don’t ignore anything – get everything checked out.’
Lucy said doctors have told her it is too late for chemotherapy and admitted she does not know how much time she has left. Despite the devastating diagnosis, she said she is ‘not scared of whatever comes next’ and feels at peace with what lies ahead.
Referring to her beloved dog Gracie, who died in 2024, she said she would ‘see my Gracie sooner than expected’, adding that any grieving was harder for her loved ones than for her. She also revealed that humour has played an enormous role in helping her cope.
Lucy said she specifically asked her friends and family to make fun of her and, above all, not to treat her like a sick person. ‘There’s nothing that will make you feel more unwell than being treated as if you’re unwell,’ she explained.
Although standing and walking for long periods can now be difficult and she sometimes uses a wheelchair, Lucy stressed that she hopes to continue working. She also said she intends to carry on campaigning for animal rights, describing both acting and her advocacy work as hugely important parts of her life.
‘Cancer asks a lot from us, physically and mentally,’ she told others facing similar diagnoses. ‘And we all get to do it however we choose.’
