In a story that has resurfaced with renewed emotion and admiration, former Home and Away star Tessa James has once again captured hearts—this time not through a dramatic storyline,

but through the raw, real-life battle that defined her early adulthood. More than a decade after being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma at just 23 years old, James and her husband,

former NRL champion Nate Myles, are reflecting on a chapter that tested their marriage, reshaped their priorities, and ultimately forged a bond stronger than either of them could have imagined.

The renewed attention follows a deeply moving tribute shared by Myles, praising both his wife’s resilience and the unwavering support of fans who stood beside them during their darkest days. His words—“She fought until her last breath”—were not a reference to loss, but a tribute to the relentless courage James showed at every stage of her cancer journey, even when fear and uncertainty threatened to overwhelm them both.

A Diagnosis That Changed Everything

At the height of her rising acting career, James seemed to have the world at her feet. Having already made a mark on Australian television through Neighbours and Home and Away, she was young, newly married, and full of ambition. But life took an abrupt and terrifying turn when she received a diagnosis that no one in their early twenties expects to hear: Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Speaking candidly on the Inherited podcast, James recalled the shock and disbelief that followed. She and Myles were still adjusting to married life, juggling demanding careers, and learning how to grow together as partners when the news arrived.

“There was a lot of testing, a lot of waiting,” James shared. “We went through it all together, almost at the same time.”

That sense of togetherness would become the defining theme of their story.

Love in the Middle of the Storm

When the diagnosis was confirmed, James was with her mother, while Myles was away on an end-of-season footy trip in Cairns. The distance made the moment even more painful. Yet, without hesitation, Myles dropped everything and rushed back to be by her side.

“He had to come back,” James said simply. “And from then on, we just went through the process together.”

Myles’ positivity became an anchor during a time when the future felt frighteningly fragile. Known for his disciplined mindset as a professional athlete, he approached the battle with quiet determination, never allowing fear to dominate their conversations.

“Nate is an extremely positive person—the way he speaks, the way he thinks, the way he lives his life,” James explained. “Cancer wasn’t something we ever talked about happening. But when it did, he didn’t let it define us.”

A Marriage Tested Too Soon

Married at just 20 years old, James now admits she sometimes looks back in disbelief at how young they were when they took such monumental steps.

“Having my own children now, I think, ‘How did my parents let me get married at 20?’” she laughed. “It’s wild.”

Yet she also recognises that growing up fast was part of her journey. Facing cancer so early forced her to mature in ways she never anticipated, but it also clarified what truly mattered.

“I started life so young,” she reflected. “But I wouldn’t change it for anything.”

Their marriage, still in its infancy, was suddenly confronted with hospital visits, chemotherapy schedules, and the emotional toll of uncertainty. It was, as James described, “traumatic” and overwhelming—but it was also transformative.

From Innocence to Strength

Listening to James recount the early days of her romance with Myles adds a poignant contrast to the hardship that followed. Their love story began with spontaneity and innocence—midnight swims at Bondi Beach, laughter, and the thrill of young love.

“That first part of our relationship was so fun and so pure,” she recalled. “There was so much innocence in it.”

Cancer stripped away that innocence far too quickly, but in its place grew something deeper: resilience, trust, and unshakeable partnership.

The Long Road to Recovery

James underwent six months of chemotherapy, a gruelling process that pushed her physically and emotionally to the brink. Throughout it all, Myles remained a constant presence—supportive, hopeful, and fiercely protective.

Years later, reflecting on the milestone of being cancer-free for a decade, James shared a powerful message on social media alongside images of herself with a shaved head during treatment.

“Ten years ago today, I underwent six months of chemotherapy after being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma,” she wrote. “Today, I’m proud to say I’m cancer-free, with four beautiful, healthy kids.”

The post resonated deeply with fans, many of whom had followed her journey from the beginning.

A Tribute That Echoes Beyond Words

Myles’ recent tribute to fans acknowledges that support. His message was not only a declaration of love for his wife, but also a thank-you to those who sent messages, prayers, and encouragement when the couple needed it most.

“She fought until her last breath,” he wrote—speaking not of an ending, but of the relentless strength James showed at every turn, refusing to surrender hope even on the hardest days.

A Life Reclaimed

Today, James’ life looks very different from those uncertain years. She and Myles are parents to four children, their home filled with the joy and chaos she once feared she might never experience.

Cancer did not define her—but it did shape her perspective.

“I’m grateful for the journey and everything that came with it,” she has said. “Even the hard parts.”

Her story now stands as more than a celebrity health battle. It is a testament to love under pressure, to resilience forged in adversity, and to the quiet heroism found in simply refusing to give up.

For fans of Home and Away and beyond, Tessa James’ journey remains a powerful reminder: sometimes the most compelling stories don’t unfold on screen—but in the strength it takes to survive, together.