Cancer-stricken Richard to marry today

Actress Wendy Richard is to marry her long-term partner today before she begins treatment for cancer on Monday.

The former EastEnders star announced the disease had returned earlier this week.

The 65-year-old brought the date of her marriage to partner John Burns forward after a checkup revealed the cancer has spread from her left armpit to her right kidney and bones.

A number of Richard's co-stars from the soap are expected to attend the ceremony, reports The Press Association.

Richard, who has previously fought cancer twice, starred on EastEnders from 1985 to 2006. The civil ceremony is expected to take place at a hotel in the West End of London.