Denise Robertson, a veteran on This Morning as their agony aunt, revealed last month that she is suffering from pancreatic cancer but today said viewers' well wishes were 'doing' her 'good'.
Just weeks after the 83-year-old star initially announced the heartbreaking news she sent a message to fans of This Morning to tell them how much she appreciates their messages of encouragement.
In her statement sent to This Morning Denise said: 'I want to say how moved I am by all the cards, letters and emails. The love and good wishes expressed have made me realise what This Morning means to people, we are a family and it's really doing me good.
'I'm having chemo, so it's a bit of a tough time but I'm fighting and I'm being treated beautifully by the wonderful staff at the Royal Marsden.'
She added: 'I couldn't be in better hands. Thank you so much everyone and I hope to be back on that sofa soon.'
When Denise's news initially broke, a statement read: 'I'm sorry I've not been around for a couple of weeks but a persistent health issue has turned into something quite a lot bigger. I've been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.'
The longtime TV favourite, who joined the programme in 1988, also said she is ready to fight cancer back.
Speaking about her diagnosis when the news was first revealed, Denise said, 'It has come as a surprise to me and my family but we know that many others have suffered and dealt with this condition and I don't plan to give up without a fight. My doctor is referring me for chemotherapy and hopefully that will start soon'.
Denise has been part of the show for almost 30 years
She continued, 'I'd like to thank all the lovely viewers of This Morning who have been concerned about my health recently and I hope I'll be back on the sofa soon.'
Rylan Clark and Ruth Langsford, who were presenting the show during Holly and Phillip's absence, spoke of their shock over the news after showing viewers the official statement from Denise.
'Some news about one of our own that has all of us at This Morning in a state of shock', Ruth said on the show. 'After almost 30 years of providing comfort to millions of This Morning viewers, agony aunt Denise Robertson is in need of a lot of love herself today.'
Rylan then made a plea for well-wishers to send support messages to Denise via This Morning Facebook page, to give an extra bit of strength during this tough time.
Shortly after the annnouncement on live TV, messages of support for Denise began flooding in on social media.
Among the well wishers was This Morning presenter Phillip Schofield, who tweeted: 'Sending all my love to a unique and wonderful lady xxx'.
His former colleague Fern Britton also shared a lovely message of support, tweeting: 'Denise Robertson is the best woman I know. She has helped so many of us, me included, with life's shit! Here's to her! Get well soon'.
Sadly this is not the first time cancer has affected Denise. Her first husband Alex Robertson died as result of lung cancer in 1972, and she also lost her stepson, 44-year-old John, in 2006 because of the ilness.
Sending lots of love and good wishes to you, Denise.
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