Ex-Emmerdale star Malandra Burrows tells Lorraine how dog spotted her cancer

An actress fought back tears as she told ITV viewers of the moment her dog saved her life.

Speaking on Lorraine on Wednesday morning, ex-Emmerdale star Malandra Burrows told host Lorraine Kelly that her one-year-old border terrier Teddy helped to get her breast cancer diagnosis. One night, Teddy and Malandra were curled up on the sofa when the pup wouldn't settle.

The 56-year-old said "it was so bizarre" as Teddy lay on her chest which hadn't happened before and was "nuzzling and cuddling". Getting emotional, Malandra said Teddy "swiped me so hard with her head it really, really hurt".

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But that same evening, she checked herself due to the pain when she felt a lump. Thinking it was a swollen gland, she went to her GP when it was still there on the Monday, who brought her in for tests when she was eventually told of her cancer diagnosis.

A speechless Lorraine said it's "all those what-ifs" if Teddy had not done what she did. Malandra, who had no symptoms, said her beloved pooch saved her life adding "I'm so thankful to her, I really am.

"Without that, I dread to think where I'd be now. It's astonishing."

The actress urged women to check themselves and to visit their GP if they feel something not quite right as it's a "moment out your life to save your life". She thanked her "inspiration" Deborah James - who is receiving end of life care after her five-year bowel cancer battle - adding she is "wonderful and amazing" and thanked her for the "inspiration she has given me."

Lorraine viewers instantly took to social media to share their thoughts. One person said: "What a lovely lady."

Another wrote: "Keep fighting Malandra hope you stay healthy."

A third added: "Malandra Burrows on Lorraine talking about how her Border terrier Teddy prompted her to seek an appointment which discovered she had breast cancer. Well done Teddy. Border Terriers are the best."

A fourth said: "Malandra's story about her pet dog sensing she had breast cancer, rings very true to me. I had a nasty abscess in my men's bits in 1998, and my family's dog, Ben, kept sniffing as if I'd wet myself. It was embarrassing but the doctor confirmed something was wrong."