Actress Samantha Womack has announced she has breast cancer as she paid tribute to Olivia Newton-John, whose death from the disease was announced last night. EastEnders star Sam revealed in a social media post that she was "starting my own battle with this disease" as she posted a picture of herself with the Grease legend.
It appears that Sam found strength from the sad news that Olivia had died aged 73 at her ranch in America, surrounded by her family. Olivia had battled the disease for three decades, reports the Mirror.
Sam uploaded a photo of her time performing in Grease in the West End. She recalled how the film's original stars, Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta, had come to see her.
She wrote: "This was the most magical of evenings. Olivia and Chloe had come to see Grease in London and we had dinner together afterwards.
"I was so excited and in awe, she was my childhood. I now start my own battle with this disease and am left feeling deeply moved."
Sam played Sandy in Grease in the West End. She is best known for playing the role of Ronnie Mitchell in EastEnders, but has also had roles in comedy Game On and represented the United Kingdom in the 1991 Eurovision Song Contest.
Dozens of fans rushed to offer Sam support after the comment on Twitter.
One wrote: "Lots of love to you", while another added: "gosh sending you all our best wishes and lots of love".
This Morning's Soap correspondent Sharon Marshall said: "Wishing you love and strength."
Mirror Online has contacted Samantha's representative for further comment.
