Strictly Come Dancing star and former Hollyoaks actress Ali Bastian was praised for opening up about her struggles as she shared a health update after breast cancer diagnosis. The actress made an Instagram post on Sunday to share her thoughts as she headed to her annual mammogram checkup.

The 44-year-old was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer in 2024 after finding a lump while breastfeeding her daughter. Since then, she has had a successful mastectomy. She announced last year: "It has healed really well, it proved that my chemo had worked. As I sit here right now, I'm free from cancer. I can't even believe it."

Sharing a picture of herself in a pink gown and looking teary, she said: "Had my annual mammogram on my remaining side this week. Still awaiting my results, hoping no news is good news. Two years since my diagnosis. This photo is from the breast clinic… honestly, on the way to the clinic a voice in my head was saying, ‘just don’t go… drive to the beach… f**k it... Drive to the airport and get on a plane!’ Anything other than going back to that place…"

Ali confessed that the trip to the clinic left her feeling anxious, and shared the results with her fans: "I found out that my reconstruction won’t be until next year which felt like a blow. It’s a big operation though as I’m having my hernia sorted at the same time so at least I have a few more months to physically and mentally prepare and figure out how we will manage my recovery with work and kids to juggle."

Fans commented to thank Ali for sharing her feelings as many shared similar experiences. One said: "We are an exclusive club, we understand how each other feels. Sending love and support."

"Sending love, revisiting the clinic are always a head f***. Message me anytime to vent," a second wrote.

At the end, Ali encouraged women to get their breast screening done, adding: "Good to get these appointments done and dusted and gently return to life, I know I am so very grateful to be rebuilding, even if some days are hard."