24 March 2026
Ricky Gervais’ long-time partner Jane Fallon has undergone breast cancer surgery.
Ricky Gervais’ partner Jane Fallon undergoes breast cancer surgery
The 65-year-old author joked she is being “held together by superglue” after she went under the knife on Monday (23.03.26), around six weeks after she was diagnosed with the disease.
Jane admitted the operation “went very well”, and she shared several pictures on Instagram of herself in hospital.
She wrote in the caption: “Little update. Big day. I had my op this morning. I’m feeling remarkably fine (which is possibly the drugs, and they might also explain why I’m cross eyed in photo 5). It all went very well, apparently. I celebrated with a cup of tea and the brilliant @catsteadman ‘s new one (more on that later, but I’m loving it so far). I’m held together with superglue* and dissolving stitches. The popsox have to stay on for 48 hours, so I’m going to style them out as a new trend. (sic)”
Jane also admitted there is a “small chance” she might have to undergo more surgery, but she is in the capable hands of her cat Pickle, who she branded the “best nurse ever”.
She added: “Now I just have to wait 8-10 days for confirmation that they’ve got it all and the margins are clear (small percentage chance of more surgery) and work out how to stop Pickle trampling over my incision. She was on me within 30 seconds of my getting home. Best nurse ever. And a huge thanks for all the lovely messages I’ve had since I posted about what was happening. I’ve honestly been blown away and I’m reading every single one of them even if I’m not quite keeping up with replying #breastcancer
*Probably not superglue (sic)”
Earlier this month, Jane revealed she had early-stage breast cancer – despite having “no symptoms”.
She wrote on Instagram at the time: “So… I thought I should post something as I’ve had a few people notice I’ve been a bit quiet on here lately.
“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. (sic)”
