Ricky Gervais' partner Jane Fallon delights fans as she shares breast cancer operation update: 'Basically got it all!'

Alex Davies
Sat, 04 Apr 2026 07:11:06 +0000

Bestselling novelist Jane Fallon delivered encouraging news to her followers on Friday, revealing that doctors have successfully removed the majority of her breast cancer tumour.

The 65-year-old author, who is the long-term partner of comedian Ricky Gervais, posted a video update on Instagram 10 days following her operation.

"Just a little update, all is good, yesterday I had my follow-up and they have basically got it all," she told fans while holding her cat.

However, Ms Fallon explained that surgeons were unable to achieve clear margins around the extracted tissue, meaning a follow-up procedure will be necessary.

"It will be just to make sure they get everything, which is a bit of a pain, but it isn't a worry," she said, adding that the second operation would be identical to the first.

Ms Fallon first disclosed her diagnosis in March, explaining that the cancer had been detected at a very early stage with an excellent prognosis.

The illness was discovered through a routine mammogram she attended a week before Christmas, despite having no symptoms whatsoever.

"I had no symptoms but the brilliant radiographer spotted something iffy and sent me for further tests and eventually a biopsy," she previously wrote on social media.

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A post shared by Jane Fallon (@janefallon2)

The author underwent multiple mammograms, biopsies and an MRI scan to precisely locate the affected area before her surgery.

Discussing her recuperation, Ms Fallon expressed surprise at how manageable the healing process had been.

"The recovery is so much easier than I thought it was going to be, this is me 10 days later," she said.

She anticipates receiving a date for her second procedure after the Easter holiday, following which further testing will determine the next steps in her treatment.

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Ms Fallon stressed the critical role that routine screening plays in detecting cancer early, noting she has spoken with numerous people who have shared their own experiences with her in recent weeks.

"It's totally rammed home both how different it is for everyone and also how important screening and early diagnosis really is," she wrote.

The author also sought advice from her followers regarding Tamoxifen, which is being considered as part of her ongoing treatment plan.

"I've read they can be rough," she said of the medication's potential side effects.

Her Instagram post attracted an outpouring of support from fellow celebrities and admirers alike.

Television presenter Kym Marsh described her as "a warrior," while author Lisa Jewell sent "big love."

Fans urged her to rest and wished her well for the road ahead.

Mr Gervais, who has been largely absent from public view since his partner's diagnosis, offered a brief update during a recent YouTube livestream.

When a fan enquired about Ms Fallon's condition last week, the 64-year-old comedian simply responded: "Doing well, thank you."

He chose not to elaborate further, keeping details of their private life away from the spotlight.

The couple first met whilst studying at University College London and began their relationship in 1982, making them partners for more than four decades.

They moved in together in 1984 and currently live in Hampstead with their beloved pets.

Despite their lengthy union, the pair have consciously chosen not to wed.

"We are married for all intents and purposes, everything's shared and actually our fake marriage has lasted longer than a real one," Mr Gervais has previously explained.