Bosses at Elstree have worked very closely with experts and representatives from charities such as Macmillan Cancer Support and Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust to develop a storyline which is both true to life and also highlights the importance of women having regular smear tests to check for the disease. Confirming reports of the plot, executive producer for Eastenders, Bryan Kirkwood said:”During the summer, EastEnders viewers will see Tanya receive the devastating news that she has cervical cancer.
”EastEnders has worked closely with experts in the field to ensure we accurately portray this sensitive issue.Viewers will see how Tanya, a mother of three, will use her inner determination to deal with what will be one of the toughest challenges of her life.”
Speaking on behalf of Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, Robert Music – Director of the charity added: ”As the UK’s only charity solely dedicated to informing and supporting women affected by cervical abnormalities and cervical cancer, we think it is fantastic that EastEnders has decided to highlight the issue of cervical cancer. This is a disease that affects thousands of women and their loved ones in the UK every year, and for many can be preventable by taking proactive steps, such as attending cervical screening when invited.”
He continued: ”EastEnders have gone to great lengths to research this story with us and we hope that by showing this storyline to its millions of viewers, it will not only raise awareness of cervical cancer but also help the public to be more informed about this issue.”
Also speaking about the storyline was Ellen Lang, a senior Macmillan Cancer information nurse who also spoke highly of the storyline saying: ”Cervical cancer is sadly diagnosed in thousands of women every year in the UK, so we congratulate EastEnders for tackling this difficult subject that affects so many people. 822 people, like Tanya, are diagnosed with cancer every day. Most will feel overwhelmed when they are told that they have cancer, especially breaking the news to children and loved ones.”
She added: ”It’s vitally important that the cancer patient, and their family, get the support they need. We hope that anyone watching who is affected by this issue knows that they can get the support they need from Macmillan Cancer Support.” Confirmation of the storyline comes on the back of speculation after Bryan Kirkwood told Inside Soap that Tanya would recieve ”a huge, life-changing shock”.
Meanwhile, the Daily Star Sunday has reported that Stefan Booth will depart Walford over summer after the truth behind Tanya and Max’s secret affair is revealed. A source told the newspaper: ”Stefan’s exit will come shortly after he [Greg] discovers what Tanya has been up to.” Tanya’s cancer storyline will play out over Autumn.
Loading ...
