Actress Lucy Davis made her first public appearance since announcing a stage four breast cancer diagnosis, attending the For The Love of Fantasy & Sci-Fi convention at ExCeL London on Saturday. The 53-year-old star expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from fans, describing the community surrounding the 2004 zombie-comedy Shaun of the Dead as "this whole second family you never knew you had."
Davis took to the stage less than two weeks after revealing on 11 August that she has incurable breast cancer. In her announcement, she disclosed that the cancer had metastasised to her bones, spreading to her spine, right hip and ribs following an initial diagnosis approximately a year and a half earlier. According to reports of her Instagram statement, she stated the disease was "too late for chemo" but that she was determined to "live out whatever might be left of my life in as fun a way as I possibly can."
At the convention panel, Davis reflected on the bonds formed through the film's fanbase.
"It's like this whole second family you never knew you had, everyone is like a community, friendly, supportive of not only us but you guys and each other. We need a bit more niceness in the world, so I'm grateful."She signed autographs and posed for photographs with attendees before joining the discussion, though no audience member directly addressed her health during the event.
Reflecting on Shaun of the Dead
Davis appeared alongside Shaun of the Dead director Edgar Wright and actor Simon Pegg, who led the film's cast. In the cult British production, Davis played Dianne, an aspiring actress and core member of the survivor group who helps Pegg's character Shaun battle the undead hordes. When asked about her favourite memories from filming, she recalled moments of levity on set.
"When we all pretended to be zombies and walked across the square; it was like being naughty schoolkids. It was a fun time, we went a bit mad."
Career advice and overcoming limitations
The actress, known for playing receptionist Dawn Tinsley in the BBC sitcom The Office and daughter of comedian Jasper Carrott, was applauded when offering guidance to aspiring filmmakers in the audience.
"We all grow up with a different life with a different world telling us we all have limitations. None of us do, our only limitations are things that we think are limiting. We can do anything, or be anybody, and don't apologise for that."
Response to public support
Two days after her initial cancer announcement, Davis posted again to acknowledge the overwhelming response.
"OK, so the last two days have been utterly overwhelming, in that 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."She thanked fans for their "kindness and support" during what she described as an emotionally intense period.
The initial diagnosis had gone unnoticed for some time. According to reporting on her health journey, Davis's first warning sign was a tiny hard spot rather than a typical lump, which she later highlighted publicly to encourage women to conduct thorough self-examinations. Breast Cancer Now responded to her announcement, stating the organisation was "deeply sorry" to learn she is living with metastatic, incurable breast cancer.
Key Facts
- Davis announced her stage four breast cancer diagnosis on 11 August, revealing it had metastasised to her spine, right hip and ribs after initial diagnosis 18 months prior
- The convention appearance on Saturday marked her first public event since the announcement, held at ExCeL London
- She appeared alongside Shaun of the Dead director Edgar Wright and lead actor Simon Pegg on the film's 20th anniversary panel
- Davis emphasised the importance of thorough self-examination, noting her cancer began as a small hard spot rather than a typical lump
- She stated her intention to continue living life fully despite her diagnosis
