Who is Abi Phillips and what type of cancer does she have?

HOLLYOAKS actress Abi Phillips has revealed she has cancer.

On May 9, 2022, the star took to Instagram to say she has been diagnosed with thyroid cancer after getting two lumps tested in her neck.

Who is Abi Phillips?

Abigail Louise Phillips is a 28-year-old English actress and singer.

She was born in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, on January 14, 1994.

She attended Birmingham's Stage Coach performing arts school.

The star has appeared in Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks and released her debut single Summer Sunshine in 2011.

In 2017, she appeared on The Voice UK as a contestant but was unsuccessful in getting a place in the competition.

When did Abi join Hollyoaks and who did she play?

Abi made her big break after writing the song Missing You for the soap opera, which proved to be popular with viewers when it was featured in Steph Cunningham's death scene.

Following the positive response to the track, Hollyoaks bosses arranged a meeting with Phillips and invited her to audition for the part of Liberty Savage - a musical character.

She debuted as Liberty Savage at the age of 16 in December 2010.

In July 2013, the star decided to quit acting to pursue her lifelong ambition to make it big in the music industry.

Her character returned in 2018, being played by Jessamy Stoddart.

What type of cancer does Abi have?

On May 9, 2022, Abi took to Instagram to share with her 12,000 followers that she has been diagnosed with thyroid cancer.

Alongside a collection of selfies the star posted of herself wearing a hospital gown, she wrote:  "So, I took these pictures before my scans and after my biopsy having a good old laugh about how ridiculously dressed up I looked in the hospital before a gig, not expecting for one moment to get the news that I did two weeks later."

The actress went on to explain how she had previously visited doctors to get two lumps in her neck tested, but was told there was nothing wrong.

However, she wanted to get a second opinion for "peace of mind".

Abi continued: "I'd previously been sent away from the doctors after having found two lumps in my neck, they'd passed it off and said I was 'young' and it wouldn't be anything and I was 'probably getting over a cold' or my body was 'fighting something off'.

"As much as that's what I wanted to hear I wanted to get everything checked for my own peace of mind."

After meeting with a specialist, she was told that the lumps were a cause for concern and that she would require surgery and radiotherapy.

She shared: "Fast forward two weeks and just before Easter weekend I had an appointment to see a consultant at the QE hospital who sat me down and told me that I had been diagnosed with thyroid cancer, and that I would need surgery and radiotherapy treatment.

"I never thought I would be told that I have cancer at the age of 28, you never think it's going to happen to you.

"I wouldn't have taken things further with seeing a specialist if I hadn't seen @demijones1 post as her lumps were in the exact same place as mine."

Abi is set to have surgery in the coming days, and has urged everyone to get checked if they spot anything "unusual" on their bodies.

Is Abi married and does she have children?

According to her Instagram, Abi appears to be in a long term relationship with Gav.

In December 2021, the pair posed in front of their new home together celebrating just before Christmas.

There is no evidence online to suggest that she has any children.

Once we have any updates, we will let you know.