Writer and comedy actress Jennifer Saunders has revealed that she has won her private battle with breast cancer. The fifty-two year old mother of three discovered a lump nine months ago, thankfully in enough time for it to be successfully removed during an operation. Displaying signs of recovery, Saunders appeared at Wimbledon last week with daughter, Ella. The bandana and blonde wig she wore were the first clues to the public that Jen had been anything but chipper, disguising the battle scars of undergoing chemotherapy.

The actress is best known for her half of comedy duo ‘French and Saunders’ and the appropriately named TV series, Absolutely Fabulous. We at Best For Film love Saunders for her part in Dreamworks’ Shrek 2 (2004), voicing Princess Fiona’s evil fairy Godmother. It was for this role that she piped out that fantastic ‘dance around your handbag’ cover of I Need A Hero. Jen also more recently lent her voice, along with pal Dawn, to the character of Mrs Spink in the 2009 animation, Coraline. Other performances that had us tickled were her part in Muppet Treasure Island (1996) and the cameo role in Spice World (1997).

Since speaking out, the star has already received huge support on care forums. The stream of awards she has received over her career, including BAFTAS and People’s Choice Awards, are testament to a talent which has continually captured our imaginations. Celebrating her birthday this week, we wish Jennifer many happy returns and a future of good health.