Ricky Gervais’ long term partner Jane Fallon has revealed she is currently battling breast cancer.
The 65-year-old author and TV producer, who is frequently linked to the inspiration behind some of Gervais’ best-known projects, shared an update about her health on Thursday March 12.
Fallon posted the announcement on Instagram alongside a photo of herself in a plain black t-shirt, featuring a text overlay that read “Bit of news…(no one panic.)”
She then explained further in her caption, writing: “So… I thought I should post something as I’ve had a few people notice I’ve been a bit quiet on here lately.”
“About a month ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer – very early stage thankfully & the prognosis is excellent,” she explained.
“I had a routine mammogram a week before Christmas. I had no symptoms but the brilliant radiographer spotted something iffy & sent me for further tests & eventually a biopsy.
“Since then I’ve had more mammograms, more biopsies and an MRI so they can pinpoint the problem area precisely. It’s been a lot, I’m not going to lie,” she added.
Because the cancer was caught early, Fallon said the outlook is very positive. She also shared that she is scheduled to have surgery in two weeks to treat the issue, while acknowledging that the waiting period has been difficult and that she would prefer to move forward as soon as possible.
Alongside her selfie, Fallon also posted images of two comforting companions: a stuffed bear with a blue stethoscope and an ID badge reading ‘Dr. Eric’, as well as her cat, Pickle, shown in a hand-drawn purple nurse outfit complete with a name tag.
Fallon and Gervais met more than 40 years ago while studying at University College London, and they began their relationship in 1982.
Over the years, many people have questioned why they never married, and both Fallon and Gervais have addressed the topic publicly on several occasions.
Fallon told the Daily Mail in February 2018 that neither she nor Ricky were ‘fussed’ about marriage, before adding: “I think if one of us really cared then we would probably do it but it’s not really been anything that either of us have ever really needed.”
Gervais shared a similar perspective in an interview with The Times in January 2010: “We are married for all intents and purposes, everything’s shared and actually our fake marriage has lasted longer than a real one. But there’s no point in us having an actual ceremony before the eyes of God because there is no God.”