[Scarlett.]

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

[Lewis.]

:O

That is such a horrible co-incidence..

[Stacey.]

aww, thats really sad.

[Scarlett.]

I'm glad she is feeling better now

[Ruth*Star]

That's a awful case of life imitating art.

[BigSister]

aww no thats terrible maybe thats why she hasnt been on as much on corry

[BigBrotherfan4ever]

Thats just awful, poor Sally

[Kerry]

Just read about this. Evil bastard disease. Get well Sally x

[Scarlett.]

Here's Sally now, she's done an interview with Hello about it, I hope she returns to full health very soon and is back on the street

[Jackie]

So sad but at least shes getting better.

[Kerry]

Youtube video

[Kerry]

So positive

[Fetch The Bolt Cutters]

aww thats sad

[Kerry]

Actually discovering the lump at work though while she filmed the Xmas day scenes. Very swiftly cared for by Corrie staff.