The Office star Lucy Davis thanks fans for ‘overwhelming’ support since incurable cancer diagnosis: ‘In shock’

Her father, 81-year-old comedian Jasper Carrott, was among those to share a comforting message.

He told BBC News: “This is a very difficult time for the whole family and we have been supporting her in every way possible since her diagnosis.

“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.”

On Thursday, Ms Davis posted another social media update in which she stated the last two days had been “utterly overwhelming.”

She continued: “I had zero idea my cancer post would have the attention it did.

“Truly, I am in shock. That said, thank you to everyone for the tremendous amount of kindness and support you have sent me. Good grief it was emotional.

“I am trying to go through all the comments on my post – and I’ll get there, just give me a bit of time.”

Mixing in some of her signature humour, she added: “Also, to the couple of people who slightly misread the news and commented RIP, you’ll be delighted to know I am still alive – hurrah.”

The caption was posted next a video of Ms Davis during a skateboarding lesson with actor Malachi Barton, who starred alongside her in Disney Channel comedy The Villains of Valley View, with the actress explaining she’d shared the post to “lighten things up.”

She joked she has “no sporting ability whatsoever.”

Sharing the initial news on Tuesday, Ms Davis wrote on Instagram: “Hi friends. 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.”

She continued: “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.

“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.

“I’m not scared of whatever comes next. I’m at peace with it. I’ll see my Gracie 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.

“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.

“For those of you on a similar journey to mine, I do wish you well. Cancer asks a lot from us, physically and mentally. And we all get to do it however we choose. Much love to you all.” (sic)

Former co-stars such as Ricky Gervais have responded to the news with moving messages.