Lucy Davis has said she’s been left “utterly overwhelmed” by the fan response to news of her incurable breast cancer diagnosis.

The 53-year-old actor, who played receptionist Dawn Tinsley in BBC sitcom The Office, announced on Tuesday (11 August) that after her initial diagnosis in 2025, the cancer has since metastasised to her bones, specifically her spine, right hip and ribs.

Davis’s fans, friends and peers, including dad Jasper Carrott and Office co-star Ricky Gervais, have sent their support to Davis – and now, the actor has addressed the thousands of messages she’s received.

“Ok, so the last two days have been utterly overwhelming, in that I had ZERO idea my cancer post would have the attention it did,” she wrote on Instagram, adding: “Truly, I am in shock.

“That said…. THANK YOU to everyone for the tremendous amount of kindness and support you have sent me. Good grief it was emotional! I am trying to go thru all the comments on my post – and I’ll get there! Just give me a bit of time :)”

She also referenced some “people who slightly misread the news and commented RIP”, telling them: “You’ll be delighted to know I am still alive – hurrah!”

The actor shared her statement alongside a video of herself attempting to skateboard with the American actor Malachi Barton. “It was a few years ago but still something that cracks me up when I realized I have no sporting ability whatsoever,” she said, adding that she hoped the humorous clip would “lighten things up”.

In her original post announcing the news, Davis wrote: “The cancer is incurable, and too late for chemo. 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.”

Her father, the comedian Jasper Carrott, called it “a very difficult time for the whole family” in a follow-up statement.

“We are so grateful for all the support we have had over this trying time and we are very hopeful for her future being what she wants it to be,” he said, adding: “We are so proud of our daughter and love her so much. The way she has conducted herself through many traumatic health issues is a lesson to us all.”

Gervais shared a love heart emoji, while Samantha Morton, who recently won rave reviews for her role in The Odyssey, said: “Sending love and light and huge gratitude to you for being you and shining and making me belly laugh at workshop when things were so tough . Thank you.”

Amanda Abbington, who was previously married to The Office star Martin Freeman, added: “Sending you the biggest cuddle and all my love, love, love, love, love. You are and have always been an incredible f**ken woman. I adore you. What larks we had when we worked together. Here if you need anything."

Jenna Fischer, who played Pam, a character inspired by Davis’s Dawn, in the American version of The Office, commended the actor on a “beautiful post” and praised her for stating that she still wanted to work amid her health struggles.

"Beautiful post. Love you lots. And yes to working with cancer! Let's spread that message far and wide! How working is such a comfort!" she wrote alongside a red heart emoji.

Fischer was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023. She received the all-clear the following year after receiving treatment.

In her post, Davis urged her followers to “get everything checked out”. She said she almost “didn’t bother” going to the doctor over “a really tiny” lump.

Explaining that she sometimes needs to use a wheelchair due to pain, Davis quipped: “If you see me toddling around in one, feel free to give me a push!”

“The thing that has been most vital to me is humour,” she continued. “I asked my friends and family to make fun of me as much as possible (which they’re really good at [eye-roll emoji), and most importantly of all to not treat me like a sick person.

“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.”

Davis said that she still wishes to continue working amid her health struggles. “I’m perfectly able to do so, and acting is one of the biggest joys in my life,” she said.

“For those of you on a similar journey to mine, I do wish you well. Cancer asks a lot from us, physically and mentally. And we all get to do it however we choose... Much love to you all.”

Davis rose to fame in The Office, which ran from 2001 until 2003, before appearing in zombie comedy Shaun of the Dead a year later. She went on to star in Aaron Sorkin’s Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, comedy drama Better Things, The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, and Disney’s The Villains of Valley View.

She also appeared in 2017 film Wonder Woman.