EastEnders' Samantha Womack, 50, 'thankful for life' as she shares emotional cancer update

express.co.uk:

EastEnders' Samantha Womack admitted she is "thankful" to be alive in an emotional admission after learning that she is now completely free of breast cancer.The star, much-loved by fans famous for her portrayal of Veronica 'Ronnie' Mitchell on the BBC One soap, had opened up earlier in the year after receiving the diagnosis.The 50-year-old had initially not noticed any symptoms, but the cancer had been discovered during a routine medical check.She'd previously described the breast cancer treatment - a gruelling course of chemotherapy - as "hardcore" and "toxic".The Eastenders star has admitted she is continually bursting into tears because she feels so thankful to be alive."I know that sounds crazy, but it’s almost like I can see the beauty in everything now – like everything feels special."I keep bursting into tears, because I’m happy," she told OK!

magazine.She explained that receiving the shock diagnosis had "shifted my perspective" and that she was now appreciating "everything"- even the smaller things in life she might normally have taken for granted.Recalling the "rollercoaster ride" of her diagnosis, the actress, who has been supported throughout her cancer battle by boyfriend Oliver Farnworth, admitted her blood had run cold when she'd first found out there was a "shadow" on one of her breasts.Sam felt disbelief as she'd had no symptoms whatsoever prior to learning of the cancer.The appointment had been squeezed in between a matinee and an evening show in the star's fast-paced theatre schedule and the last thing she'd been expecting was complications."It was really incredible because I didn't find a lump, I didn't feel unwell," she previously confided to This Morning hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip.