Former EastEnders star Samantha Womack has candidly discussed her significant life transformation, revealing why she and her partner decided to leave the United Kingdom for a new home in Spain following her breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Life-Changing Decision After Health Ordeal
The actress, best known for her portrayal of Ronnie Mitchell in the long-running BBC soap, made the life-altering decision to relocate to the mountains of Valencia in 2023. This move came after a challenging period where Womack, now 53, faced a serious health battle.
In 2022, sensing that "something wasn't right", the performer sought medical attention. A private ultrasound examination revealed an irregular shape that was subsequently diagnosed as invasive ductal carcinoma, which had unfortunately spread to her lymph nodes.
Treatment and Recovery Journey
Womack underwent surgery to remove five affected lymph nodes, followed by multiple rounds of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Fortunately, her cancer was detected at an early stage, and five months later she received the welcome news that she was cancer-free.
This health scare prompted profound reflection about life priorities and future direction for both Womack and her partner, Oliver Farnworth, 43.
Embracing Wanderlust and Personal Growth
Speaking to The Metro newspaper, Womack explained that her family's history of travel significantly influenced their decision to relocate abroad. "I've got a real wanderlust, which started from my grandmother," she revealed. "She was a choreographer on cruise ships and took me everywhere with her when I was young."
The actress recalled visiting diverse locations including the Panama Canal, Haiti, and Barbados during her childhood in the 1970s. "I think that instigated a feeling in me that I liked visiting other places and seeing other ways of life," she added.
Womack offered a philosophical perspective on their relocation: "Staying in one place, often you stop growing. I've always looked at property abroad but never had the confidence to make a move. But as you get older, you think, why not?"
Balancing Spanish Life with UK Commitments
While she affectionately refers to Spain as her "happy place", Womack continues to maintain professional connections in Britain, making regular trips back for work commitments. Since departing EastEnders in 2017 after eight years on the show, she has pursued various theatre roles, including her current part in the stage production Dear England.
Potential EastEnders Return Speculation
Despite being absent from Albert Square for nine years, fans persistently speculate about a possible return for Womack and her on-screen sister Rita Simons, who played Roxy Mitchell. However, both characters met dramatic ends during Ronnie's wedding day scenes, creating narrative challenges for any potential comeback.
Addressing the frequent questions about returning to the soap, Womack explained: "We've had so many people ask me [about a return]. The only way we could return is if it wasn't actually a real death. I mean, it's soap, anything is possible but I don't think it could be a Dallas dream, I don't think soap does dreams the way Dallas did."
The actress emphasised her close bond with co-star Rita Simons, stating she would never consider returning without her. "I would never go back without her, we're joined at the hip really like the characters, they were one character, they were the same, the Mitchell sisters were like one organism," she affirmed.
EastEnders continues its regular broadcasting schedule, airing tonight at 7.30pm on BBC One.
