Ricky Gervais’s long-term partner Jane Fallon has shared that she has been diagnosed with cancer.
The best-selling author, 65, explained she had discovered the news a month ago.
Taking to Instagram on Thursday, she shared a lengthy statement.
“So… I thought I should post something as I’ve had a few people notice I’ve been a bit quiet on here lately,” she began.
Ricky Gervais and Jane Fallon in 2022
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The post continued: “About a month ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer – very early stage thankfully & the prognosis is excellent.
“I had a routine mammogram a week before Christmas. I had no symptoms but the brilliant radiographer spotted something iffy & sent me for further tests & eventually a biopsy.
“Since then I’ve had more mammograms, more biopsies and an MRI so they can pinpoint the problem area precisely. It’s been a lot, I’m not going to lie.
“But, my surgery is scheduled for the week after next and I just want to get it over with now.
“I’m getting incredible care and all will be fine but I’m not engaging with much beyond audiobooks & jigsaws tbh. Dr Eric on duty. Nurse Pickle wondering when lunch is.”
Ms Fallon and Mr Gervais first crossed paths whilst studying at University College London, beginning their relationship in 1982.
The couple reportedly began sharing a home two years later and now reside in Hampstead, north London, alongside their pets.
Despite more than four decades together, the pair have never wed – a conscious choice they have openly discussed.
Ricky Gervais and Jane Fallon began their relationship in 1982
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Mr Gervais has previously explained their reasoning: “We are married for all intents and purposes, everything’s shared and actually our fake marriage has lasted longer than a real one.
“But there’s no point in us having an actual ceremony before the eyes of God because there is no God.”
The 64-year-old comedian and his partner have built their lives together whilst pursuing separate successful careers in entertainment.
Ms Fallon’s professional journey began in television production, where she worked on acclaimed programmes including EastEnders, Teachers and This Life.
Jane Fallon said the cancer had been discovered early
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Speaking recently on a podcast about those early years, she reflected on her determination to establish herself in the industry.
“I was always saying: ‘I’m going to get us out of this. I’m going to work my way out of this,'” she recalled.
“I felt as though I was on the rung of the ladder I wanted to be on.”
Her transition to writing proved equally successful, with her debut novel Getting Rid of Matthew becoming a bestseller upon its 2007 release.
She has since published 14 books in total, with notable titles including Worst. Idea. Ever., Faking Friends, Just Got Real and Queen Bee.