Marisa Abela, the renowned actress known for her role in the BBC drama Industry, has shared her personal journey of facing cancer. In a candid discussion on the How To Fail with Elizabeth Day podcast, Abela revealed that she underwent an eight-hour surgery to remove a tumour after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2020 at the age of 23.
Reflecting on her experience, Abela expressed that the “scariest” aspect of her diagnosis was the uncertainty surrounding her ability to speak post-surgery. This concern intensified as she faced the challenges of her diagnosis during the Covid-19 pandemic. Initially seeking medical help due to symptoms resembling those of the virus, she was ultimately diagnosed with cancer.
During the surgery, Abela had a total thyroidectomy, which involves the complete removal of the thyroid gland, and approximately 19 lymph nodes were extracted from her neck. According to the NHS, this procedure is a standard treatment for thyroid cancer.
Facing Fears and Finding Strength
Abela described the emotional turmoil that followed her diagnosis. “You never expect to get to be told that you have cancer at 23,” she stated. The actress remembered feeling an overwhelming urge to have the tumour removed, simultaneously grappling with the fear of potential complications. “I had to sign a form that said if they cut the nerve that’s attached to my voice box, I’m not going to sue them,” she recalled.
Post-surgery, her first instinct was to test her voice. “When I woke up, the first thing I did was go, ‘maaa’, because I just wanted to make sure I could talk,” she shared. The fear of a visible scar on her neck and its potential impact on her career as an actress also weighed heavily on her mind.
Reflecting on her thoughts during recovery, Abela stated, “It was very scary. I was aware that that was potentially going to cause hormonal issues throughout my life. Just the aftermath of the whole thing was scary to me.”
Support and Triumph
Abela underwent this life-changing surgery alone, as hospital protocols during the pandemic restricted visitors. “I was put in the burns unit for recovery because there weren’t enough beds in the ICU, so 2020 was bleak for me,” she explained.
Support from her husband, actor Jamie Bogyo, proved invaluable throughout her ordeal. “He is the most supportive person in every way,” she said, highlighting the importance of having someone by her side during this challenging time. The couple married in 2025.
Despite her struggles, Abela’s career has flourished. She garnered a BAFTA for Best Actress in 2025 for her performance as Yasmin Kara-Hanani in Industry. Her credits also include notable films such as Barbie (2023), She Is Love (2022), and the upcoming biopic Back To Black, centered around the life of singer Amy Winehouse.
The full interview with Marisa Abela offers a deep dive into her experiences and the lessons learned throughout her cancer journey, available now on the How To Fail with Elizabeth Day podcast.
