Jamie Borthwick has revealed he suffers with "terrible health anxiety".

Jamie Borthwick opens up on his health anxiety

Jamie Borthwick opens up on his health anxiety

The 'EastEnders' actor has opened up about an often overwhelming fear of being unwell - which started with his teenage emetophobia, a fear of vomiting - and revealed he has undergone therapy to help him cope with the anxieties.

He told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "I have terrible health anxiety. I'm a massive hypochondriac.

"Every day, I wake up and go, 'What's wrong with me today?' "

Thankfully, seeing a professional has helped him "become equipped" to deal with his struggles, although they don't "fully leave you".

He explained: "The therapy sessions have really helped me. But I don't think these things fully leave you.

"You just become equipped to be able to deal with it. I'm far from perfect, but I'm certainly in a much better place than I was 10 years ago."

His fears came to the fronfront after his dad Simon, 57, and uncle Charlie were both diagnosed with prostate cancer, while one of his cousin's is currently undergoing treatment.

According to Prostate Cancer UK, the illness is more common in those with a family history of the disease, with symptoms generally involving changes to urination habits, including a difficulty starting to wee, a weak flow, or needing to go to the bathroom more frequently.

Although these symptoms don't necessarily mean you have cancer, it's important to get checked.

Jamie's father and uncle both got the "all clear", but the actor was worried when he suffered with prostatitis, which is an inflamed prostate caused by an infection.

He recalled: "I was really worried and health anxiety kicked in because I thought I had prostate cancer. Thankfully, I just had an infection."

The soap star will be in character as Jay Brown - who he has played since 2006 - when he runs the London Marathon this weekend for Prostate Cancer UK, and he won't let his father's diagnosis hamper his love for life.

He added: "I have a responsibility to myself to live my life to the fullest because everything can change."