Comic jokes about cancer

Jennifer Saunders has spoken about her breast cancer treatment, joking that it has given her ‘lovely pert new bosoms’.

The comic was diagnosed with the disease last year but kept it secret for months, but decided to speak about the illness on Radio 2.

In the first of three programmes co-hosted by Dawn French, the 52-year-old made light of her new breasts, before her comedy partner chipped in: ‘Yes, she has.

‘That’s the upside of her poorly last years. They’re gorgeous.’

She then urges guest Gok Wan. to touch her friend’s new breast, saying: ‘Before you leave, ask if you can touch them.

Jennifer’s husband Adrian Edmondson recently spoke of the difficulties of coping with cancer, saying it should not be referred to as a ‘battle’. He said: ‘It’s not a three-part TV drama full of great moments. It’s a long grind, like a slow car crash that will last five years and then, hopefully, we’ll get out.’

Saunders underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy after malignant lumps were found, causing her to lose her hair.

Today’s French and Saunders radio reunion – two years after they supposedly dissolved their comedy partnership – is the first of three special festive shows featuring the couple. Radio 2 controller Bob Shennan has hinted that there may be more shows from the pair throughout 2011.

Published: 26 Dec 2010