EASTENDERS star Heather Peace made a heartbreaking comment about “holding on to every minute”, just days before revealing her cancer battle.

The actress, 49, who is best known for playing Eve Panesar-Unwin in the BBC soap, shared her cancer diagnosis yesterday in an emotional video.

Heather shocked fans when she revealed she has been having chemotherapy treatment and surgery to fight breast cancer.

Just days before she shared her heartbreaking news with her fans, the soap star posted a sweet message to her daughter on her birthday.

In the post she heartbreakingly talked about “holding on to every minute”.

The actress took to Instagram to celebrate her eldest daughter Annie’s tenth birthday.

She shares her little girl – along with twins born in 2017 – with her wife Ellie Dickinson.

To commemorate Annie’s milestone birthday, Heather posted a slew of sweet snaps of her daughter through the years.

She wrote next to them: “The happiest of birthdays spent with our now 10 year old, Annie.

“Fun in the sunshine at home in Brighton with pals.

“Time goes so quickly. I’m trying to hold onto every minute. We’re so proud of the person she has become.

“She’s the kindest, funniest, brightest spark & we are blessed to have her in our lives.”

CANCER BATTLE

Yesterday, Heather opened up about her cancer diagnosis had changed her life “forever”.

She captioned her post: “This video is an important part of my recent journey, which I wanted to share with you.

“It’s been about the #TeamEffort here @bbceastenders.

“I needed a wig fitting. I’ve been on quite a road for many months now.

“I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the beginning of October.

“Since then I’ve undergone surgery and recovery over the Christmas period and today my chemotherapy journey ended.

“I woke up this morning and it was like the end of the London Marathon; I’d turned onto The Mall and could see the giant clock & the finish line.

“To conclude – I’ve just picked up my medal.”

Heather told her followers she has been “forever changed” by the disease and paid tribute to her wife Ellie and their three daughters, Annie, Jessie and Lola, for getting her through it.

She said she was “just trying to appreciate every moment of them”.

Heather added: “There have been so many positives.

“Thank you to the whole EE team for going above & beyond. Particularly our amazing makeup team.

“And to Alex Rouss for the original wig & Linda for the spot on cut.

“I’ve felt totally supported by you all. Thank you to all of the friends in my local community who’ve been there for me and my family at the drop of a hat (you know who you are).

“Thank you to the NHS. You are wonderful, skilled people. You treated me efficiently. You gave me dignity and showed me kindness. It’s so appreciated.”

Heather ended her post admitting “life feels very different now” but said “it’s wonderful”.

She said: “I will continue to cherish and be grateful for all I am blessed with. I feel very lucky. With love, Heather xxx”

The Bradford born star, who also played Nikki Boston in Waterloo Road, joined EastEnders as Eve in October 2021.

Stacey Slater’s former cellmate and wife has been a regular in the soap ever since, most recently marrying second wife Suki Panesar.