Danniella Westbrooks former EastEnders co-star Sid Owen has said he is gobsmacked to hear that she is battling cancer.
The pair played young lovers Ricky Butcher and Sam Mitchell in the BBC One soap in the early 1990s, and Sid has now revealed that he is praying for the former actress.
Im gobsmacked. [I] wish her well, he said.
The 44-year-old said she collapsed in pain while in the UK and was taken to hospital by Kerry Katona, but it was when she flew to Spain that she had the devastating diagnosis.
After what happened with Jade [Goody] I was frightened to talk to anyone about my cancer at first. She was my friend and what happened was so awful, she said; Jade died at the age of 27 in 2009 after battling cervical cancer.
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Shes a strong girl and had to battle worse. My prayers are out for her and her family, Sid added, speaking to The Mirror.
Danniella however says shes hopeful for the future as doctors have said they believe the cancer is containable; she will undergo a full hysterectomy in three weeks time.
Ive tried to commit suicide before but getting this diagnosis has made me realise I dont want to die, she said.
I want to live and sort out my health. I know I have to fight, I know I have to get up and battle it.
More: UK
Earlier this year, Danniella had voiced concerns over how her health issues could be cancer.
Danniella said: Ive had quite a lot of problems actually I think I might need to have a hysterectomy because Ive been bleeding for the last nine weeks constantly.
But they do think its hereditary in my family, ovarian cancer and cancer of the womb, so were hoping its not that.
MORE: Danniella Westbrook shuts down fan accusing her of making up her cancer diagnosis
MORE: Katie Price checks into rehab to be treated for post-traumatic stress disorder
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