The former 'Baywatch' star, who claimed she contracted the blood-borne virus after sharing a tattoo needle with her ex-husband Tommy Lee, believes she is free of the disease, which can result in damage to the liver, thanks to a new course of drugs.

She wrote on Instagram: ''I am CURED!!! - I just found out #nomorehepc #thankyou #blessing #family #prayer #live I pray anyone living with Hep C can qualify or afford treatment. It will be more available soon. I know treatment is hard to get still...#dontlosehope #itworkedforme #thereisacure #love #happy #americanliverfoundation #celebration #Idontknowwhattodo #iwanttohelp (sic).''

Speaking about the treatment previously, she said: ''I am taking medicine right now, they have come up with a cure. I am almost half way through and by November 1, I should be cured - a 98 per cent chance.''

The 48-year-old blonde bombshell, who has battled with the illness for 16 years, announced that she had decided to try the anti-viral drug after seeing Hepatitis C - also known as Hep C - as a ''death sentence'' for almost two decades.

She said: ''I'm very fortunate that I've had Hep C for about 16 years. 16 years ago that was [presented to me] as a death sentence. I think it really worked on my self-esteem. Even though I may have looked confident on the outside, I think it really was a dark cloud that lingered over me.''