LEANS ON LILY TOMLIN

Brave Jane Fonda revealed last week she has begun chemotherapy after being diagnosed with non-hodgkin’s lymphoma.

The 84-year-old actress, who just wrapped a movie in Italy, made the announcement on Instagram, adding that it was “a very treatable cancer – 80 per cent of people survive, so I feel very lucky”.

Alongside her family, including beloved children Mary, 54, Vanessa, 53, and Troy, 49, one of Jane’s closest allies helping her through is her Grace And Frankie co-star Lily Tomlin, 83.

The women have been pragmatic about their age and ailments – often using them for humour – but this is a lot more serious. “Lily’s proven to be more than just a dream co-star for Jane over the past few years, she’s also become a close friend,” says an insider. “She’s a valuable source of strength and humour for Jane right now.”