Emmerdale’s Faith Dingle is to face a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis in upcoming episodes.
Emotional scenes will see lovable Dingle matriarch Faith, played by Sally Dexter, receive the diagnosis that her breast cancer has returned.
ITV share: “In episodes due to transmit later this week, Faith will be told the devastating diagnosis. Not only will she realise the consequences of secondary cancer, but tensions remain high with her children, Chas (Lucy Pargeter) and Cain (Jeff Hordley), whom she’s unable to confide the news.
“With nowhere to turn, Faith leans on Moira, (Natalie J Robb), for the support she so desperately needs. Moira urges Faith to tell the rest of the family, but she is adamant that she wants to mend her relationships first. ”
The episodes have been produced with the support of the charity Breast Cancer Now who are working closely with the Emmerdale production team on Faith’s secondary cancer storyline to give it a realistic and authentic depiction.
Catherine Priestley, Clinical Nurse Specialist at Breast Cancer Now, said: “With it estimated that around 35,000 people are living with secondary breast cancer in the UK, it’s been an incredibly important opportunity for us to provide expert guidance around Faith’s storyline – giving a steer to script writers as to how her diagnosis and experience of the disease can be portrayed accurately and raising awareness of some of the signs and symptoms of secondary breast cancer among millions of Emmerdale fans.
“Everyone’s experience of breast cancer is different, but we know from calls to our Helpline just how anxious women may feel about the possibility of their cancer returning, and how overwhelming the impact of a secondary breast cancer diagnosis can be for patients and their families.”
Actress Sally Dexter added: “It’s upsetting, but really important as a storyline, because it’s more than a storyline for so many people.
“It matters to people who are going through it as well as people who will go through it. I feel a sense of real responsibility, but also a privilege to be doing this storyline.”
Emmerdale Producer, Laura Shaw, commented: “Faith’s devastating cancer diagnosis will impact not only her life, but all those around her. We know at the very core of the Dingles is a strong sense of family and love, so for them to try and navigate through this heartbreaking time will be incredibly difficult.
“Faith’s zest for life with her spicy sense of humour and appetite for fun and adventure means that while there will inevitably be some painful and heart wrenching moments, we will also see life affirming and positive moments of light in the story too.
“Given the calibre of actor Sally is, I know she will approach the story with great honesty and depth and do it justice and this in turn will raise awareness of such an important issue that affects many people on a daily basis.”
Anyone affected by this storyline, or seeking support or information around breast cancer, can speak to Breast Cancer Now’s expert nurses by calling the free Helpline on 0808 800 6000 or emailing the confidential Ask Our Nurse service at www.breastcancernow.org/nurses
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