Former Coronation Street star Victoria Ekanoye has shared her joy at being home for Christmas after having a double mastectomy operation.
The Bury actress, who last month revealed that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer, was all smiles after being brought home by her partner Jonny Lomas.
The mother-of-one, who welcomed her first child in January, described her man as her 'knight in shining armour' in a snap shared on her Instagram Stories.
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Victoria, who was diagnosed after finding a lump while feeding her baby boy Theo, was described as a 'warrior' by her proud mum Candy who shared an update on social media.
"My baby girl is an incredible strong woman who has just had bilateral mastectomy and the operation was a success and she is doing well," she told her followers.
"I am so proud of my warrior. Love you millions."
On her 40th birthday last week she penned an inspirational message.
"And just like that, this old gal is 40!" wrote Victoria.
"What a week! I am a mummy, I am loved, I have a roof over my head, food in the fridge and clean running water.
"I may have had a bit of a curve ball thrown my way, but when I look back, in another 40 years time, Cancer won’t have been the end of my story…it will have been the catalyst for when my life took a turn, I smashed that ball out the park and levelled up
"Thank you to everyone for all of your lovely msgs, calls, cards and presents.
"I’m a very lucky girl and today, above all, I feel grateful."
Last month Victoria, who played Angie Appleton in Corrie, dazzled at a 'Bye Bye Boobies' party ahead of her surgery.
The star-studded event, held at BLVD in Spinningfields, raised funds for Prevent Breast Cancer and Sickle Cell Care Manchester.
Earlier that day Victoria, from Bury, moved the panel on the ITV chat show Loose Women to tears as she introduced Theo while speaking about her diagnosis and plans for a double mastectomy and reconstruction.
She asked: "How can I not do everything I can in my power to be here for him?
"We'll do everything we can to give him the best life."
Victoria was diagnosed on October 13 with ductal carcinoma in situ - when cancer cells have developed within the milk ducts in the breast.
She visited three separate doctors to get a diagnosis after having a 'gut feeling' that something wasn't right.
The star, who has sickle cell disease which can cause complications when going under anaesthetic, explained that she would have a reconstruction at the same time.
She said about her double mastectomy and reconstruction: "Yes, it's a more invasive procedure, yes it's a longer recovery time, but ultimately if it can take that large amount of risk away it's peace of mind and it's really good for me because for my mental health, I don't have to worry about it every single day."
Victoria played Angie in Coronation Street from 2017 until 2019.
She has also starred alongside Liz Hurley in The Royals and in The Lion King on the West End.
And in 2019 Victoria was a contestant on Celebrity X Factor.
