Danniella Westbrook has revealed she has womb cancer and plans to have a hysterectomy.

The former EastEnders actress, who has lived in Greenhithe, hopes to follow her mother who survived the disease after having treatment.

Westbrook, who has previously struggled with drug addiction, told a national newspaper she admitted to using cocaine to cope with her diagnosis.

She said she has been thinking about her late friend Jade Goody - who died of cervical cancer in 2009.

The mum-of-two, who has also lived in Greenhithe, told the Sunday Mirror: “After what happened with Jade I was frightened to talk to anyone about my cancer at first.

"She was my friend and what happened was so awful.

“There is part of me that thinks I would rather just be ill and not know about it – to just get on with life.

"But then I thought about the kids and I thought that is a selfish way to be.

"I’ve tried to commit suicide before but getting this diagnosis has made me realise I don’t want to die.

“I want to live and sort out my health. I know I have to fight, I know I have to get up and battle it.”

The actress, who previously lived in Ingress Park, Greenhithe will be getting a three week treatment on the NHS.

She wants to encourage more women to get smear tests.