Ex EastEnders star Samantha Womack announces she has cancer in heartbreaking post

Actor Samantha Womack has revealed she has cancer.

In a post paying tribute to Olivia Newton-John, who died yesterday, the former EastEnders star said she was 'starting my own battle with this disease'.

In a touching post, she shared a snap of herself alongside the Grease star and 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."

Womack, 49, played Sandy - the Grease character played by Newton-John in the movie - in the West End stage play back in the 1990s. 

Tributes have been flooding in for Newton-John, who died from breast cancer yesterday aged 73.

In a statement shared on her official Instagram page, her husband John Easterling wrote: “Dame Olivia Newton-John (73) passed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends. We ask that everyone please respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.

“Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer. Her healing inspiration and pioneering experience with plant medicine continues with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, dedicated to researching plant medicine and cancer. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made in her memory to the @onjfoundation.

“Olivia is survived by her husband John Easterling; daughter Chloe Lattanzi; sister Sarah Newton-John; brother Toby Newton-John; nieces and nephews Tottie, Fiona and Brett Goldsmith; Emerson, Charlie, Zac, Jeremy, Randall, and Pierz Newton-John; Jude Newton-Stock, Layla Lee; Kira and Tasha Edelstein; and Brin and Valerie Hall.”

The statement was followed up by a post from Olivia's daughter, Chloe Lattanzi.

She said: "I worship this woman. My mother. My best friend."

Among those who publicly shared their condolences was Grease co-star John Travolta. 

In a post on Instagram, he wrote: "My dearest Olivia, you made all of our lives so much better.

"Your impact was incredible. I love you so much. We will see you down the road and we will all be together again. Yours from the first moment I saw you and forever!

"Your Danny, your John!"