Jasper Carrott issues ‘proud’ statement after daughter Lucy Davis announces ‘incurable’ cancer diagnosis

“This is a very difficult time for the whole family and we have been supporting her in every way possible since her diagnosis,” he said.

“We are so proud of our daughter and love her so much. The way she has conducted herself through many traumatic health issues is a lesson to us all.”

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Mr Carrott, who has been married to Ms Davis’ mother Hazel K Jackson since 1972, said the family remains “very hopeful for her future being what she wants it to be.”

He appealed for privacy in the months ahead in his statement to BBC News and The Sun, whilst thanking the public for their “love and concern.”

Ms Davis, 53, broke the news to her followers on Instagram on Tuesday evening. Her statement read: “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.

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“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.”

She continued: “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.”

The actress acknowledged that the physical toll can be severe, noting that standing and walking for extended periods is difficult and that she sometimes relies on a wheelchair.

Ms Davis described humour as the most essential tool in coping with her illness, saying she had asked loved ones to “make fun of me as much as possible” and above all not to treat her as unwell.

“I’m not scared of whatever comes next. I’m at peace with it,” she wrote. “I’ll see my Gracie sooner than expected, and for me, leaving my physical body just means going home.”

Gracie was her beloved dog, who died in 2024.

Ms Davis has faced significant health challenges throughout her life. In 1997, she underwent a kidney transplant with an organ donated by her mother, and in 2005 she was hospitalised with kidney failure before making a full recovery. She has also spoken openly about her battle with bulimia.

Best known for portraying receptionist Dawn Tinsley in the BBC mockumentary The Office alongside Ricky Gervais and Martin Freeman, she has also appeared in Shaun of the Dead, Wonder Woman and Netflix’s The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.

Since her announcement, support has poured in from fellow performers.

Mr Gervais sent a love-heart emoji on her post, whilst Olympic cycling champion Sir Chris Hoy, who was diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer, wrote: “Keep going Lucy.”

Jenna Fischer, who played the equivalent role in the American version of The Office, said: “Love you lots.”