Keegan urges women to have smear tests

Actor Michelle Keegan has admitted she put off having smear tests as she urged women to be screened for cervical cancer.

The Our Girl star said she had found excuses to ignore letters from her doctor calling her for a test but reassured her fans that the process was not painful.

She posted a string of videos on Instagram in which she talked about having her test done and wrote: “It’s time to talk cervical screening examinations... AKA the dreaded SMEAR (horrible word) test!

“I’m going to be honest with you all, I’ve had numerous letters come through my front door that I’ve pushed aside. I’ve also ignored my mum’s tiresome pleas telling me to 0 Michelle Keegan was apprehensive about the test

book an appointment with my local GP.”

Keegan said she had used the excuse of being too busy and thought it was embarrassing to have to “drop your knickers and open your legs in front of a total stranger”.

She also admitted she was apprehensive about how painful the test would be.