Former Home and Away star speaks out about battle with cancer

Former Home And Away actress Tessa James broke down discussing her battle with cancer during an exclusive interview that will air on Sunday Night this week.

The actress, who is best known for playing Nicole Franklin on Home and Away, wipes away tears as she details how she found out she had Hodgkin lymphoma – a rare blood cancer.

'No one should have to go through that,' the 24-year-old said.

'You'd see actresses and they seemed to always go through hardships,' the emotional star says in the interview.

'I always thought, "Well I don't have a story. My life is great". Yeah, I have a story now.'

She said her marriage to Gold Coast Titans Co-captain Nate Myles, 29, has given her the strength to fight the disease.

News of her battle with cancer first made headlines last September. At the time, a statement released to media read: 'Tessa will be undergoing chemotherapy over the next few months.'

'Tessa and Nate would like to thank all for their well wishes and would ask for privacy during this very difficult time.'

Tessa's interview airs this Sunday on Channel Seven's Sunday Night at 7pm.