Ricky Gervais reaches out to The Office co-star Lucy Davis after ‘incurable’ cancer diagnosis

Ricky Gervais has joined a wave of friends, former co-stars and fans reaching out to offer public support to Lucy Davis after the actress shared her terminal cancer diagnosis. 

The 53-year-old star, who captured hearts as receptionist Dawn Tinsley in the original BBC hit The Office, revealed on Instagram that she was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer 18 months ago. 

Explaining that the disease has spread to her spine, right hip, and ribs, Lucy stated that the cancer is incurable and it is now too late for chemotherapy. 

Following her candid post, The Office co-creator Ricky reached out directly on social media to send his love alongside a host of fellow actors, including The Office US star Jenna Fischer and filmmaker Edgar Wright. 

Poignant messages of support to Lucy Davis

Ricky showed his support by leaving a heart emoji beneath the post. Jenna, 52, played Pam Beesly – the US counterpart to Lucy’s character Dawn Tinsley – in the long-running American adaptation of The Office. 

Her message of support was particularly poignant given that Jenna has previously spoken openly about her own experience with breast cancer. 

“Beautiful post,” she wrote. “Love you lots. And yes to working with cancer! Let’s spread that message far and wide! How working is such a comfort!” 

Lucy’s inspiring outlook 

Describing her outlook, Lucy – who is the daughter of comedian Jasper Carrott – shared that she remains at peace and determined to live out her remaining days with humour, strength and joy.

“As of now, I’m trying to live out whatever might be left of my life in as fun a way as I possibly can,” she said on Tuesday evening. “I always like to find the teachable moments in anything negative that happens. And cancer has not disappointed in that regard; there’s a lot I have learned from it, and I’m grateful for that. 

“As some of you will know, the pain can really be something else. Standing and walking for too long a time can be hard, and I need to use a wheelchair sometimes (so if you see me toddling around in one, feel free to give me a push!)” 

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She added: “There’s nothing that will make you feel more unwell than being treated as if you’re unwell. I’m not scared of whatever comes next. I’m at peace with it.” 

The star’s unforgettable role as Dawn Tinsley 

Birmingham-born Lucy rose to fame playing receptionist Dawn in The Office, which follows the lives of office workers at Slough paper merchant Wernham Hogg with co-creator Ricky at the helm as office manager David Brent, alongside stars such as The Hobbit actor Martin Freeman – who played bored salesman Tim Canterbury. 

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One of the notable storylines throughout the series is Tim and Dawn’s slow-burn office romance. 

Debuting in 2001, the series ran until 2003 and also starred Mackenzie Crook as pedantic paper salesman Gareth Keenan and featured appearances from stars including Sally Bretton, Ralph Ineson and Joel Beckett.