Vanessa has requested that her family make the following statement.
Yesterday we received advice from Vanessa's medical team about her diagnosis.
Unfortunately, the news is not what we were hoping for.
It is extremely sad to convey the news that Vanessa has an aggressive form of cancer and recovery is not expected.
We understand that this will come as distressing news to all those who know and love Vanessa.
Vanessa is grateful for all the messages of support and love she has received since becoming ill.
Vanessa will now withdraw from public life and we ask that her privacy be respected.
We are heartbroken that this has happened to someone so talented, so respected, so caring and so loved.
Our sincere thanks to all the dedicated healthcare professionals who have supported Vanessa.