Claire King has admitted Leah Bracknell's death has made her think more about her future and "how she treats people".
Claire King
The 59-year-old actress' 'Emmerdale' co-star Leah died in September 2019 aged 55 following a three-year battle with stage four lung cancer, and Claire's pal passing has made her reflect on her own life.
She said: "We lost one of my best friends, Fiona, to bowel cancer a couple of years ago, and with Leah going too, it makes you think about your own life, future, your health, and how you treat people."
While Claire would prefer to have fewer wrinkles and bags under her eyes, she is pleased to have had a "great and a full life".
Speaking to Woman's Weekly magazine, she added: "I look in the mirror and think, 'Oh, I would like fewer bags and lines.'
"But this is part of my life and history.
"I wouldn't have got those if I hadn't lived my life, and I have had a great and a full life.
"I also do feel very lucky, though.
"Yes, I've got ailments but, touch wood, I haven't got anything life-threatening."
In February, Claire said she thinks cancer is "nature's payback" for the human race "mistreating the planet".
When asked about society's attitude towards the environment, she replied: "Cancer hits one in two, which is just horrendous. I think that's a lot to do with how we are treating the planet. We've mistreated the planet and this is nature's payback.
"We're not doing ourselves any good - says she who drinks and smokes - but we've all got to play our part in this and it becomes very poignant when you lose a good friend."
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