Coronation Street star Vicky Myers has opened up about her harrowing battle with skin cancer, which she says brought a gut-wrenching realisation about what truly matters in life. The actress, who plays DS Lisa Swain, was diagnosed with malignant melanoma on her calf in 2010, leading to treatment and reconstructive surgery.
Speaking about the experience, Myers said: 'I was in a poor state of mental health because I was trying to juggle an awful lot of things. Then the diagnosis happened and I realised what I would have given to have that time back.' The 49-year-old added that the fear of missing key moments, such as her daughter's wedding, helped refocus her priorities.
Myers' on-screen character Lisa is set for dramatic storylines, including a proposal from girlfriend Carla Connor. However, the plans are complicated by neighbour David Platt and the lingering mystery of Lisa's late wife Becky's death. 'Lisa wants to move forward and be happy,' Myers said, hinting at tensions ahead.
The actress, who is mother to 28-year-old Meghan, has been praised for her portrayal of a lesbian character in a blended family. She said: 'It shows how much Lisa was needed... It's not shown enough.' Myers also recalled the homophobia of the 1980s Aids epidemic, calling the role 'making history'.
