Former Hollyoaks star Ali Bastian, 42, has been diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer after discovering a lump while breastfeeding her child. The actress, known for her role as Becca Dean in Hollyoaks from 2001 to 2007, and as Sally Armstrong in The Bill from 2007 to 2009, shared the shocking news with OK! Magazine. Bastian also competed in the seventh series of Strictly Come Dancing, finishing third in 2009.
The mother of two described her diagnosis as a “total shock,” saying she still wakes up sometimes forgetting it has happened. She explained that she found the lump while breastfeeding her 19-month-old daughter, Isabella.
“I wasn’t breastfeeding Izzy at night, but when David [her husband] flew back to London for work, she suddenly started feeding a lot more,” Bastian said. “I thought maybe she was having a growth spurt, and my boobs felt sore. The next morning, I woke up and felt a painful lump.”
Initially, Bastian believed the lump was a “blocked duct” and was prescribed antibiotics. However, when the pain didn’t subside, her doctor recommended visiting a breast clinic for further evaluation. A scan confirmed the presence of cancer, and Bastian requested the results be delivered by phone, as she lived far from the clinic.
“I could hear it in her voice. But she told me in the kindest way possible,” Bastian recalled. “She reassured me with the words I’m holding on to—that they have ‘intent to cure me.'”
Following her diagnosis, a multidisciplinary team discussed her treatment plan, which includes chemotherapy and surgery. Bastian is scheduled to undergo a single mastectomy but has asked her doctors to consider a double mastectomy as a preventative measure. “It’s something we haven’t fully discussed yet,” she added.
Reflecting on her emotions, Bastian admitted the diagnosis has been overwhelming at times. “There have been moments when I’ve felt really positive, and other times, I’ve been quite scared,” she said. She also shared that the nurses at her weekly chemotherapy sessions check on her emotional well-being.
Bastian praised her husband, David O’Mahony, for his unwavering support. “He’s been incredible, taking on so much. Some days, I’m just not at my best.”
The actress also spoke about the impact of her treatment on her hair, which she is losing gradually. “David cut my hair last night,” she said. “A neighbor, who’s a hairdresser, offered to help, but we wanted it to be a personal moment. I’ve been cutting out the matted bits, and David stepped in to help. I like the style now. Some people choose to shave it off all at once, but for me, doing it in stages is helping.”
Bastian’s journey with breast cancer is ongoing, but she remains hopeful as she continues her treatment with the support of her family.
