EastEnders’ Samantha Womack reveals breast cancer diagnosis in Olivia Newton-John tribute

Womack said she is now starting her 'own battle with this disease'

Former EastEnders star Samantha Womack has revealed that she is battling breast cancer as she paid tribute to Olivia Newton-John. The actress, best known for her role as Ronnie Mitchell in the BBC soap, shared a picture of her and the Grease star from her time playing the role of Sandy in a West End production of the musical. Alongside the picture, the 49-year-old wrote that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer, a disease Newton-John battled for decades. In the post, she said: "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. Many tweeted their support for the actress following the news of her diagnosis. Rita Simmons, who played Womack's on-screen sister Roxy Mitchell, wrote: "Love you forever my sis." This Morning's Sharon Marshall said: "Wishing you love and strength." And, in a nod to her role as the character in the stage production of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, comedian Shaparak Khorsandi tweeted: "Sending the most brilliant White Witch support and love x." Dame Olivia Newton-John passed away at her ranch in California on Monday. Along with her role in Grease and her hugely successful music career, Newton-John, who was honoured with a damehood in 2019, will also be remembered for her campaigning around breast cancer. [caption id="attachment_353100" align="alignnone" width="1804"] Dame Olivia Newton-John, best known for her role as Sandy in 1978 film Grease, passed away on Monday at the age of 73 (Getty)[/caption] She was first diagnosed with the disease in 1992. It then returned in her shoulder in 2013 and her spine in 2017. One of those to pay tribute to Newton-John following her passing was John Travolta who starred alongside her in Grease. In a heartfelt post on Instagram, the actor wrote: "My dearest Olivia, you made all of our lives so much better. Your impact was incredible. I love you so much. Related links:

• Mystery of Olivia Newton-John's ex-boyfriend who vanished on fishing trip 17 years ago
• Olivia Newton-John’s family offered state funeral after Australian icon loses battle with cancer
• Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta revisited Grease characters in 'fantastic' final outing