EastEnders and Bad Girls star Simone Lahbib has opened up about the death of her beloved brother.
Simone is best known for playing Helen Stewart in ITV’s Bad Girls. In 2020, she joined the cast of EastEnders as Katy Lewis, the care worker who sexually abused Mick Carter (Danny Dyer) when he was younger.
The actress, who is 60, recently decided to open up about the death of her brother following his terminal diagnosis.
Stephen was initially told he had two years to live, but died just months after receiving the news in 2024.
As part of Strathcarron Hospice’s 2026 campaign ‘What Makes Life Meaningful’, Simone has shared her experience of palliative and end of life care.
‘Strathcarron’s Hospice at Home team was invaluable toward the end. They were so lovely, understanding and supportive. It was a very difficult, distressing time and we came to rely on them’, she admitted.
‘When the time came for Stephen to be admitted to the Hospice, the staff made not only Stephen, but his family and friends feel welcome and important. There is a professionalism and warmth to all the staff – from the doctors and nurses, to the front desk and catering staff.’
She added: ‘I believe Stephen made some good friends during his time there. The kindness and support continued towards our family, even after his death.’
‘Stephen was not only cared for at Strathcarron Hospice…he was loved. My family and I can’t thank them all enough for all they did.’
At first, Stephen, 45, was cared for by the Hospice at Home Service and Clinical Nurses Specialists. As Stephen had complex symptoms, he was then admitted into the hospice for further specialist support.
While he was there, Stephen was determined to complete some unfinished songs with his friend and Mama Mayhem bandmate John Drummond.
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Pondering over her brother’s passion for music, Simone said: ‘Stephen wanted to make every moment count and in his music he lives on. It will be treasured forever and played often.
‘I’ve never seen so many people attend a funeral as I did Stephen’s, including some of the nurses from the Hospice. It says so much about Stephen, and the lovely nurses who looked after him.
‘Like Stephen I’ve always loved and cared for my family and friends as a priority. Since his death, I’m more aware of how precious and fragile life is.’
