TV presenter and actress Lisa Faulkner, 54, has disclosed that she underwent surgery for early-stage breast cancer two weeks ago. In an Instagram video on Thursday, she explained her recent social media absence and urged women to attend their mammograms.
Surgery and Recovery
Faulkner, who has been married to MasterChef star John Torode since 2019 and co-hosts John and Lisa's Weekend Kitchen with him, said: 'I just wanted to come on because I know I've been quiet on here. The reason being, that I've had to have surgery because I've had the very early stages of breast cancer. I had surgery two weeks ago and it was quite a big op.'
She confirmed the operation was successful and that she will now undergo radiotherapy. 'But it's all good and I've had my results back and they've got everything out so it's all clear and I just need now to have some radiotherapy in a few weeks.'
Gratitude for Early Detection
Faulkner emphasized the importance of mammograms: 'I just wanted to say I've got a bit of healing to do but I'm good, I'm well and feeling so much better and I'm so grateful that I went for my mammogram. Don't put them off - go! They found this, and without that mammogram, it wouldn't have been picked up.'
She also thanked the NHS: 'And I want to say thank you to our wonderful NHS and the fact that we can have these mammograms, get treatment early and treated quickly. I will see you all soon!'
Outpouring of Support
Faulkner, known for roles in Holby City, EastEnders, and Netflix's Missing You, received widespread support. EastEnders actress Emma Barton wrote: 'Love you Lisa,' with a red heart emoji. Coronation Street's Catherine Tyldesley commented 'Sending love.' Emmerdale's Angela Lonsdale posted 'Big love to you lisa x x,' and Tamzin Outhwaite added 'Love you Lise. You've got this my darling.'
Kate Lawler, winner of Big Brother and presenter on This Morning and Loose Women, wrote: 'Oh darling. Sending you huge amounts of love and healing hugs. I'm so pleased you went for your mammogram x'.
Embracing Life After 50
Earlier this year, Faulkner expressed her desire to embrace new opportunities in her 50s, especially given that her mother Julie died from throat cancer at age 44. 'I feel lucky to get to an age where you've got more to give and you're not invisible. Women are brilliant and we're picking each other up and looking out for each other.'
She told Hello magazine: 'Life's short. My mum died when she was 44 and didn't get to have that second act. So I grab it.'
This year, Faulkner returned to the stage for the first time in over 20 years, starring in the touring adaptation of the 1992 film Single White Female.
