Marianne Faithfull has made a full recovery from breast cancer and plans to begin her postponed world tour in Budapest in March. The 59-year-old 1960s icon was diagnosed with cancer in September and underwent surgery last month, forcing her to postpone her world tour that was due to run from october. “Because the disease was caught at its very earliest stages, no further treatment has been necessary and she is making a rapid return to full health,” her spokesman says. The singer and actress – who began her life as a pop star aged just 17 and still attending a convent school – says, “It has been an extraordinary experience and, in many ways, extremely positive. I didn’t realise how many true friends I had. I feel so lucky and loved and thank everybody for all their good thoughts.” [7 November 2006]