Emmerdale airs at 8pm on ITV1
In moving episodes airing next week, Emmerdale legend Cain Dingle is set to face a serious health battle when he is told he has prostate cancer.
Cain, played by Jeff Hordley, learns he has aggressive, yet localised, prostate cancer. Overwhelmed by the diagnosis and the potential side effects of the recommended treatment, Cain cuts the consultation short and leaves. In a special episode, the programme’s narrative will focus upon Cain’s inner thoughts and tell the story from his character’s perspective.
As Cain struggles to process his diagnosis, his mounting denial and anger cause him to clash with anyone who comes across his path, as he wants to be left alone with his inner demons. Not only does Cain have his health to worry about, his wife Moira, played by Natalie J Robb, has just been charged with double murder.
The episodes have been produced with the support of the charity, Prostate Cancer UK, who have worked closely with Emmerdale’s scriptwriters, story, research and production teams from the conception of the storyline to give a realistic and authentic depiction of Cain’s journey.
Emmerdale Producer, Laura Shaw, commented: ‘Cain instinctively felt like the right character to tell this story. He is a complex man that doesn’t normally talk about his feelings or channel them in a helpful way. It’s important men are encouraged to get checked, but we also want to sensitively explore the possible side effects patients may have, but don’t necessarily talk about.’
Laura added: ‘It’s also a love story for Cain and Moira as they navigate the tough times ahead as a married couple.’
Actor Jeff Hordley expressed his commitment to the upcoming storyline: ‘I feel really honoured to be given this storyline and I am excited for the challenges it is already throwing at me. This is the first proper illness my character, Cain, has been given and I want to play my part in making sure the audience can relate to the journey so many families unfortunately have to navigate.’
Laura Kerby, Chief Executive at Prostate Cancer UK, highlighted the importance of soap opera narratives in public health: ‘Storylines like Cain’s have a huge impact in reaching men and families up and down the country and putting prostate cancer, and men’s risk, on their radar. We’re grateful to Emmerdale’s team for working with Prostate Cancer UK to shape Cain’s prostate cancer journey, working with our Specialist Nurse and speaking directly to our supporters who have been through diagnosis and treatment.
This care and attention makes sure that people see an emotive and important storyline that is as true to life as possible within Emmerdale, and which we hope drives more men to understand their risk of prostate cancer and what they can choose to do about it.’
In the coming months, scenes will explore how Cain and his family, friends and loved ones will come to terms with the diagnosis and how it will impact their future.
Click for more Emmerdale spoilers. Catch up on ITVX, and for classic visits, these episodes air weekdays on ITV3 as well as on YouTube.