Emmerdale actor shares update on EastEnders star partner’s health after cancer diagnosis
Emmerdale's Oliver Farnworth, who played John Sugden on the ITV soap, has given an update on his girlfriend Samantha Womack's breast cancer battle during an interview with Christine Lampard on Lorraine
Emmerdale’s Oliver Farnworth has opened up about his partner Samantha Womack’s brave fight against breast cancer in a moving chat with Christine Lampard on ITV’s Lorraine.
Christine, ever the sensitive soul, probed gently to find out how Oliver’s other half was coping. The actor, famed for playing John Sugden, couldn’t wait to sing the praises of the Eastenders legend, lauding her incredible strength during her health ordeal.
Chatting with stand-in presenter Christine, he shared: “She’s doing incredibly well,” and couldn’t help but gush further, saying: “I’m in awe of her,” after sending a heartfelt kiss down the camera line.
He then delved into the details of Samantha’s diagnosis, keen to use their story as a beacon to encourage women to regularly check themselves for any signs of breast abnormalities.
Oliver and his telly star beau first locked eyes back in 2019 when they both starred in the West End hit The Girl On The Train. Fast forward to August 2022, and Samantha faced her breast cancer diagnosis head-on, reports the Express.
The soap hunk praised Samantha’s unbelievable “strength” and “determination” despite the fear and chaos that came with the diagnosis, managing to juggle life’s curveballs. He added: “She’s doing incredibly well and I’ve got to say a massive shout out to her, lots of love,” before blowing another kiss towards the camera.
“She’s been so kind of strong and determined through it,” the Emmerdale actor shared. He continued: “I was just thinking of when she got her diagnosis, she didn’t have any symptoms it was a routine check up and she just kind of felt something but she couldn’t feel anything physically.”
Oliver then told Christine about their fortunate early detection of the disease. He said: “And we were very lucky because they detected quite a high grade of cancer and were able to deal with that quite quickly but she then went through the chemo and the radiotherapy.”
It was her final radio session and she was determined to finish the show she was in at the time, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, and that coincided with us moving to Spain.
“Full of admiration, the TV star gushed: “So she was having radiotherapy, moving house and doing a West End show and just dealt with it so bravely and strongly with so much dignity and just determination so I’m in awe of her. “”.
Continuing his advocacy for health awareness, Oliver emphasised the importance of attending routine checks and for women to be vigilant for any signs at home. Luckily, his girlfriend’s cancer was discovered during a routine check. Christine then provided details for the Lorraine campaign, Change and Check.