Former EastEnders star Danniella Westbrook has unveiled her dramatically transformed appearance in a sun-drenched selfie, while disclosing that she still requires three additional nose operations to complete her extensive reconstructive journey. The 52-year-old actress, who recently underwent major facial surgery in Dubai, appeared relaxed and confident as she showcased the results of her procedures.
A Milestone in Recovery
Posting on social media this Wednesday, Westbrook radiated positivity while wearing a stylish gold knitted beach cover-up and a straw hat to shield her face from the sun. She openly shared her progress, stating, "Three more nose operations to go. So we’re over half way there now. Facelift has really changed me and given me my confidence back." This update marks a significant step forward for the actress, who has endured years of medical complications primarily due to a collapsed septum.
Years of Medical Struggles
Westbrook's need for reconstructive surgery stems from long-term health issues linked to her past cocaine addiction and osteoporosis, which caused her face to gradually collapse. Earlier this month, she underwent comprehensive surgery at Dubai's Gargash Hospital, receiving a full face, neck, and brow lift along with lip and nose reconstruction. Her surgeon, Dr. Parviz Sadigh, who has performed previous operations on her, led this latest effort to rebuild her facial structure.
In an Instagram tribute last month, Westbrook expressed gratitude, writing, "A massive amount of love and respect to my amazing surgeon @parvizsadigh for all his hard work. Everyday I grow and glow xxxx thank you and roll on Feb for the next operation." The actress estimated she has spent approximately £250,000 on cocaine during her addiction, which began in her youth when she found herself in club environments where drug use appeared glamorous.
Career Impact and Recent Setbacks
Westbrook's health challenges have directly affected her professional life. She was recently recast in the film "Tales From The Trap," where she was initially set to play a gun-selling gangster granny opposite Love Island's Liv Hawkins. Insiders revealed to the Daily Mail that breathing difficulties forced her to seek emergency medical attention, leading to her withdrawal from the project. Slow Horses star Kim Tiddy has since taken over the role.
A source close to the actress explained in December, "Danniella was rushed into hospital on Friday with breathing difficulties which meant she had to pull out of filming Tales From The Trap... She was due to make her movie comeback as a gangster granny selling AK47s to the gangsters. It's really disappointing as I am sure everyone was looking forward to seeing her play that part." Westbrook has not appeared in film or television since her fifth-place finish on Celebrity Big Brother in 2016.
Reflections on Addiction and Recovery
The actress has spoken candidly about how her addictions developed during her early fame on EastEnders, where she began at age 16. Producers eventually terminated her contract due to cocaine use, writing her out of the soap in 1996. Westbrook reflected, "I was always in clubs and everyone was doing coke and it was glamorous – except obviously, it wasn't at all. I was just very young, very stupid and very easily led..."
She has advocated for better support systems for young actors, suggesting, "I think there should be someone at EastEnders to say to young people when they come in, 'Look, your life is about to change, you're going to be invited places, and you'll be offered drugs.'... Someone who can tell them what sort of people are about, and what sort of papers, and how quickly what you've worked for all those years can be gone."
Surgical Journey and Future Plans
Last year, Westbrook announced she was finally undergoing the lengthy process of facial reconstruction after waiting seven years to find a surgeon willing to operate given her septum's condition. In 2023, she expressed dissatisfaction with previous reconstruction results, making her current surgical journey particularly significant. With three nose operations remaining, Westbrook continues to document her recovery publicly, offering a transparent look at the physical and emotional challenges of reconstructive surgery following years of health struggles.
