Hollyoaks star Lysette Anthony has revealed that she’s been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, admitting that it’s a ‘relief’ to not have to hide it anymore.
The actress, who played Marnie Nightingale, was first diagnosed six years ago, on the very same week she joined the Channel 4 soap.
In a new interview, she revealed that her initial symptoms included shaking while trying to light a cigarette when on tour.
But it was after she heard Sir Billy Connolly talking about the condition on Desert Island Discs that she made the connection.
‘It’s a broad church, Parkinson’s, so it doesn’t necessarily mean ABC, but it’s not great,’ she told OK! Magazine.
Lysette, 58, said that ‘looking at’ the work of Billy Connolly and Michael J. Fox made her decide to open up about her diagnosis.
She said: ‘I decided to, well, brave it and speak out now because there is no cure and I need to be a part of the cure, but also because my symptoms have got worse,’ she explained.
‘I’ve made my peace in many ways, in terms of I now call my add-on Parky,’ added the soap star. ‘If I do too much it will basically shut me down and paralyse my, or my hands won’t work.’
Lysette revealed that Gregory Finnegan, who portrays James Nightingale on Hollyoaks, knew of her diagnosis early on.
‘The one person that knew at the beginning was Greg’ she said.
‘That’s why Marnie and James were so close – because he was literally dragging me from one set to another.’
The 58-year-old left Hollyoaks in January, when Marnie was killed off following an explosion at Salon De The.
The character’s death came as a shock to fans, as she was seemingly okay in the wake of the blaze.
Marnie had, however, suffered a head wound, which was seemingly untreated. She passed away, after resting her head on pal Donna-Marie Quinn’s shoulders.
If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us [email protected] – we’d love to hear from you.
Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage.
Source: Read Full Article