The fear of losing her voice became the most significant challenge for actress marisa Abela during a health crisis. This fear stemmed from a cancer diagnosis that threatened not only her physical well-being but also her ability to continue her career.
Abela, now 29, received a thyroid cancer diagnosis in 2020 at the age of 23.The diagnosis necessitated an eight-hour surgical procedure to remove a tumor from her neck. This experience profoundly impacted her, and the potential loss of speech weighed heavily on her mind.
During an appearance on the How To Fail with elizabeth Day podcast, Abela described the period as deeply “bleak.” Her primary concern wasn’t the cancer itself,but weather she would be able to speak following the operation.
Initially,she sought medical attention believing she had contracted Covid-19,experiencing symptoms such as brain fog.However, after undergoing tests, she was diagnosed with cancer and subsequently underwent a total thyroidectomy, along with the removal of approximately 19 lymph nodes.
According to the National Health Service (NHS), a total thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure used to treat cancer, involving the complete removal of the thyroid gland. This procedure can have implications for speech, due to the proximity of nerves controlling the vocal cords.
“receiving a cancer diagnosis at 23 is something you never anticipate,” she shared. “The period that followed was frightening, and my immediate thought was, ‘Will I be able to talk again?'”
She further explained that she had to sign a consent form acknowledging the risk of nerve damage during surgery, which could result in the loss of her voice.This added another layer of anxiety to an already stressful situation.
“I remember waking up after the surgery and immediately saying ‘maaa’ just to confirm I could still speak,” Abela recounted. This simple act provided immense relief and reassurance.
Beyond the fear of losing her voice, Abela also worried about the visible scar on her neck and its potential impact on her acting career. the physical reminder of her illness brought about concerns about how it might affect her professional opportunities.
Describing her diagnosis as “very scary,” the Back To Black star explained that the cancer was located on her thyroid. She was aware of the potential for long-term hormonal imbalances consequently of the treatment. “The aftermath of everything was frightening,” she admitted.
The surgery itself lasted eight hours and took place during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, requiring her to undergo the procedure alone. Due to a lack of available beds in the intensive care unit, she was placed in the burns unit for recovery. “2020 was a bleak year for me,” she stated.
Throughout her ordeal, Abela credited her husband, actor jamie Bogyo, whom she married in 2025, with providing unwavering support.”He is the most supportive person in every way,” she said.
AbelaS talent and resilience were recognized in 2025 when she won a british Academy Television Award (BAFTA) for Best Actress for her role as Yasmin Kara-Hanani in the BBC drama Industry.
Her filmography includes appearances in Barbie (2023), She is Love (2022), and most recently, she starred as Amy Winehouse in the biopic Back To Black (2024).
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