EMMERDALE SET TO AIR SPECIAL CAIN DINGLE EPISODE

During next week's visit to Emmerdale, viewers to the Yorkshire based soap will see Cain Dingle face a serious health battle when in moving episodes, where he is told he has prostate cancer.

Cain learns that 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.

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.

Photo Credit: ITV/ Emmerdale

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.” Before adding “It's also a love story for Cain and Moira as they navigate the tough times ahead as a married couple.”

Jeff Hordley who plays Cain Dingle commented “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 said “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.”

Emmerdale airs Monday - Friday at 8pm on ITV1, and YouTube, and ITVX from 7am.