The Office star Lucy Davis announces incurable breast cancer diagnosis aged 53

The Office actress Lucy Davis has revealed she's been diagnosed with terminal breast cancer, emotionally opening up on not knowing 'how long she has left'.

In an update to her followers, the actress, 53, shared her diagnosis on Instagram, revealing that the cancer has spread to her bones and that it was 'too late' for chemotherapy'.

In her post on Tuesday (11 August), Lucy shared that she first discovered a 'tiny, hard spot' in her breast a year ago, and nearly ignored it before eventually seeing a doctor. She used the post to urged others to 'not ignore anything'.

She shared a video ringing a bell and reading out a rhyme common in many cancer treatment centres to celebrate the end of treatment. Reading out the poem, she said: “Ring this bell three times well. It’s a toll to clearly say my treatments are done, the course is run, and I am on my way.”

In the post caption, the actress wrote: “I wanted to share something with you all that I’ve kept to myself for a while but for various reasons would like to share now.

"A year-and-a-half ago I was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer, which has metastasized to my bones. Specifically to my spine, right hip and my ribs. The cancer is incurable, and too late for chemo.

“The initial lump that I felt, wasn’t a ‘lump’ as such; rather a kind of hard spot. Really tiny. I almost didn’t bother getting it checked. So I guess I’m saying don’t ignore anything – get everything checked out.

“As of now, I’m trying to live out whatever might be left of my life in as fun a way as I possibly can. I always like to find the teachable moments in anything negative that happens. And cancer has not disappointed in that regard; there’s a lot I have learned from it, and I’m grateful for that.”

She added: “I’m not scared of whatever comes next. I’m at peace with it. I’ll see my Gracie [her beloved dog who died in 2024] sooner than expected, and for me, leaving my physical body just means going home. Any and all grieving is for my family; it’s far harder for them than for me.

"As some of you will know, the pain can really be something else. Standing and walking for too long a time can be hard, and I need to use a wheelchair sometimes (so if you see me toddling around in one, feel free to give me a push!).

"The thing that has been most vital to me is humour. I asked my friends and family to make fun of me as much as possible (which they’re really good at), and most importantly of all to not treat me like a sick person. There’s nothing that will make you feel more unwell than being treated as if you’re unwell."

Celebrities quickly issued their well-wishes after Davis announced the news in a series of heartfelt comments.

Actor Vanessa Rubio said: "You are such a rare gift of a human, artist, comedian. Your perspective on this alone shows that. You’ve blessed us in so many ways, getting to watch you on screen and being able to work with you - however b brief it was - was a true gift."

Meanwhile, film producer Paul Goodenough penned: "Oh lucy I’m so so sorry. I know you want humour and not seriousness but I hope me and others can give you bits of both - a shoulder to cry on and a friend to laugh with. Sending you so much love. To you and all the family."

Who is Lucy Davis?

The English actress and comedian who is best-known for playing Dawn Tinsley in the BBC comedy The Office, which follows the lives of office workers at Slough paper merchant Wernham Hogg with co-creator Ricky Gervais at the helm as office manager David Brent alongside stars such as The Hobbit actor Martin Freeman – who played bored salesman Tim Canterbury.

The daughter of comedian Jasper Carrott, she also starred as Hilda Spellman in the Netflix series The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Dianne in the comedy-horror Shaun of the Dead, and Etta Candy in Wonder Woman. She was also famed for playing Hayley Jordan on BBC Radio 4’s The Archers for nearly 10 years.

In 1997, the Birmingham-born actress underwent a kidney transplant after being diagnosed with kidney failure. She was hospitalised again in 2005 for kidney failure but again recovered.

She has also long campaigned for the ethical treatment of animals, and says this will continue despite her diagnosis. Her statement added: "I’m still going to keep up all my work for animal rights. It’s so important to me. And I still would like to keep working. I’m perfectly able to do so, and acting is one of the biggest joys in my life."

"Lucy's honesty will shine a light on the reality"

Responding to the news, Breast Cancer Now praised Lucy for her openness and said that it will 'resonate with the thousands of people' living with metastatic breast cancer across the UK.

The charity added that Lucy's story of almost not getting the spot checked is a 'powerful reminder we cannot take our foot off the accelerator'.

In a statement to LADbible, Sally Kum, associate director of nursing and health information at Breast Cancer Now, said: “We’re deeply sorry to hear the news that Lucy Davis is living with metastatic, incurable breast cancer, and we’re sending our thoughts and support to Lucy, her family and everyone close to her at this incredibly difficult time.

“Lucy’s openness about her diagnosis will undoubtedly resonate with the many thousands of people living with metastatic breast cancer across the UK.

“While advances in breast cancer treatment mean that more people are living longer with the disease, metastatic breast cancer remains incurable, and Breast Cancer Now is committed to changing that so by 2050 everyone diagnosed with breast cancer lives and lives well.

“Lucy’s story is a powerful reminder that we cannot take our foot off the accelerator. We need to supercharge the dial on metastatic breast cancer by driving greater investment in research, developing better and kinder treatments, and finding new ways to prevent the disease from progressing and ultimately taking more lives.

“We must keep pushing for game-changing discoveries and access to life-extending drugs like Enhertu so that people living with metastatic breast cancer can have more time to live.

“We’re grateful to Lucy for sharing her experience so openly. We hope her honesty helps shine a light on the reality of metastatic breast cancer and the need for more research and support for everyone living with it. Anyone affected by breast cancer or seeking information and support can speak to Breast Cancer Now’s expert nurses by calling the charity’s free, confidential helpline on 0808 800 6000, or via its forum or email.”

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week.