From her hospital bed, Magda Szubanski has sent a heartfelt message to a young fan whose Book Week costume brought unexpected joy as she undergoes gruelling cancer treatment.

Beloved comedian and actress Magda Szubanski has delivered a moving shout-out from her hospital bed to a 10-year-old fan who dressed up as her iconic Kath & Kim character, Sharon Strzelecki, for Book Week.

The 64-year-old star, who is in the midst of treatment for stage four cancer, posted the clip on Sunday night while undergoing chemotherapy.

“Thank you beautiful Annabella Willis from SA for your stellar Book Week #homage to #sharon,” she wrote.

Beloved comedian and actress Magda Szubanski delivered an emotional shout-out from her hospital bed to a 10-year-old fan from Adelaide who dressed up as her iconic Kath & Kim character, Sharon Strzelecki, for Book Week. Picture: Instagram @magda_szubanski

“Chemo smackin’ me around right now and you really cheered me up. Bless you my darlin #netball #bookweek.”

In the video, Szubanski appears in a hospital gown with her shaved head visible, a step she took in anticipation of treatment, but her trademark humour and warmth remained on full display.

“This is a special shout-out to little 10-year-old Annabella Willis in Adelaide, just wanted to say darling, thank you so much for your impressionation of Sharon Strzelecki,” she said.

10-year-old Annabella Willis dressed up as Sharon. Picture: Instagram @thetiser

Annabella wore a red bob wig, Sharon’s trademark netball ‘Centre’ bib and even the character’s signature wrist brace. Picture: Instagram @thetiser

“I’m in here having chemo, and it really cheered me up, and I’m touched, and it was a beautiful thing to do. Thank you my sweet. Lots of love to you. And lots of love to you all.”

Annabella’s video, filmed for The Advertiser’s Book Week competition, showed her donning a red bob wig, Sharon’s trademark netball ‘Centre’ bib and even the character’s signature wrist brace.

“My name’s Sharon. Sharon Strzleki,” the 10-year-old declared, before adding: “I love netball. Um, I’m a bit desperate at the moment,” leaving her mother Rachel laughing behind the camera.

Magda Szubanski as Sharon Strzelecki in a scene for the hit Aussie comedy show Kath & Kim in 2004. Picture: NCA

Rachel later told The Advertiser the family was reduced to tears when they learnt Szubanski had seen Annabella’s tribute.

“She’s the biggest Kath & Kim fan,” she said of her daughter.

“When she’d seen that Magda was unwell, she made an off-the-cuff remark that maybe she might see it (the costume) and it would cheer her up.”

 

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Szubanski revealed in May that she had been diagnosed with stage four Mantle Cell Lymphoma, describing it as a “rare and fast-moving” blood cancer.

“I won’t sugar-coat it: it’s rough. But I’m hopeful,” she said at the time.

“I’m being lovingly cared for by friends and family, my medical team is brilliant, and I’ve never felt more held by the people around me.”

Since her latest update, the outpouring of support has continued.

 

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Celebrity chef Nigella Lawson commented: “Sending all the love in the world to you, Magda darling”, while actor Richard E. Grant shared love hearts.

Fellow comedy legend Dawn French added simply: “Love love love x.”

Fans have also rallied behind the star, with one writing: “Hang in there darling. This country needs its Sharons.”

Another added: “You’re awesome … love, pet possum … bless you for a full recovery.”