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Sally Whittaker has reportedly been secretly battling breast cancer at the same time as her on-screen character fights the disease.

The mum-of-three was diagnosed just days after learning that her Coronation Street persona Sally Webster would be put through the same ordeal.

A source told the News Of The World that cast members were reduced to tears when the 46-year-old told them of her real-life tragedy.

"It was utterly horrific. But Sally knew she had to stay strong and vowed to beat it," the insider said. "Many actresses would have pulled out but Sally decided to go ahead. There was never any doubt in her mind that she could battle this.

"It was sad because we knew Sally was going through it all herself in reality, but she was a professional and just got on with it. It was everybody else who fell apart. She seemed so brave. Looking back on those scenes now you can see the true emotion. They're difficult to watch."

Whittaker discovered a lump in her breast last autumn and Corrie bosses scheduled her work in an intensive block in October so that she could take time off for treatment. Following a break, Whittaker is said to be ready to return to work.

"She has finally turned a corner. She is feeling better and now all she wants to do is get back to Coronation Street," the source continued by saying.

The on-screen breast cancer storyline has been credited for a recent increase in awareness of the disease.

Digital Spy