Sid: I’m pra y ing for cancer-hit Danniella
Ex-eastenders co-star supports suffering pal
Sid and Danniella as Ricky and Sam in soap
TELLS OF HIS SUPPORT FOR DANNIELLA IN HER CANCER BATTLE
Ex co-star Sid Owen SID Owen says he is praying for his former Eastenders co-star Danniella Westbrook as she fights cancer.
He contacted the actress to pledge his support after she revealed she has been diagnosed with womb cancer.
The pair worked closely together on the BBC1 soap and their characters Ricky Butcher and Sam Mitchell wed in 1991.
Sid, 46, said of her health bombshell: “I’m gobsmacked. Wish her well. She’s a strong girl and had to battle worse. My prayers are out for her and her family.”
Mum-of-two Danniella, 44, told our sister paper the Sunday Mirror she faces a hysterectomy and a nerve-racking wait to see if the cancer has spread.
Her fears are heightened by the death of her friend, reality star Jade Goody, from cervical cancer in 2009. Jade’s wellpublicised illness and death led to a rise in young women requesting screening.
OPPORTUNITY
Now Danniella says she is speaking out about her experience to encourage women to undergo smear tests.
Danniella, who lives in San Pedro, Spain, had not had a smear for many years, meaning an opportunity may have been missed to detect her cancer sooner.
She said: “When the doctor told me the news all I could think about was my friend Jade Goody and that I don’t want to die like her.
“There is part of me that thinks I would rather just be ill and not know about it – to just get on with life.
“But then I thought about the kids. I know I have to fight.”
Her mum was diagnosed with the same condition when Danniella was 15 but was successfully treated. Danniella has a son, Kai, 21, and a girl Jodie, 16.
Other celebrities took to social media yesterday to support Danniella.
Big Brother star Chelsea Singh said: “You can’t keep Danni down, she’s tough when she needs to be and a winner. F*** off cancer!” And Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels star Vas Blackwood added: “Praying for you dearest.”
I’m gobsmacked. Wish her well. She’s a strong girl and has had to battle worse
SID OWEN