Emmerdale bosses have confirmed that the ITV soap is set to focus on a breast cancer storyline when Chas Dingle is devastated to discover a lump in her breast.
The Woolpack pub landlady’s diagnosis will be emotional and frightening for her with the added stress and worry following her mother Faith Dingle’s own tragic cancer story. The show is working with the charity Breast Cancer Now who are helping the production for this long running storyline. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK with one woman diagnosed every ten minutes.
Single mum Chas, played by Lucy Pargeter, will be seen enjoying a fun fling with the village doctor, Liam Cavanagh, played by Jonny McPherson until Liam tells her he has felt a lump in her breast. His pronouncement shatters the mood, and once alone Chas is visibly full of fear.
READ MORE: Want more showbiz? Daily Star has just the thing for you!
READ MORE: Want more TV? Daily Star has just the thing for you!
Although Dr Liam does his best to reassure her that it could be a cyst or something benign and not cancer, he does insist she follow this up without delay by making an appointment to see her GP. Before long following a trip to the breast clinic for diagnostic tests, the news is soon given that she has triple negative breast cancer.
(Image: ITV)
Shell-shocked by the news, Chas initially decides to keep her diagnosis to herself. As a mother to a young daughter, she is keen to stay healthy and with her mother’s history at the forefront of her thoughts, Chas is well aware of the potential implications.
Producer Kate Brooks explained: “When this story was first pitched, we were acutely aware how important it was to explore this. With Chas’s family history of breast cancer and Chas being such a strong character, and in many ways the bedrock of the Dingles, we wanted to show the impact on not just her, but her immediate family. With Lucy Pargeter’s innate ability to showcase Chas’s vulnerabilities beneath her hardened exterior, we knew she was absolutely the right character to play this with.”
(Image: ITV)
We approached Breast Cancer Now as we wanted to depict this story in the most authentic way possible. Any light we can shed on this disease and encourage and remind people to routinely check their breasts can hopefully help lead to more positive outcomes.”
Lucy, who has played Chas since 2002 added: “When the producers first discussed this storyline with me I knew I didn’t want us to shy away from any aspect of this diagnosis for Chas. She saw her own mother ultimately die after an incurable breast cancer diagnosis, so for Chas to receive a breast cancer diagnosis herself, makes it all the more poignant.
Join the Daily Star Soaps WhatsApp for all the latest spoilers and exclusives
“Our audience knows her so well, they have seen her relationships, know her faults, her passions, her insecurities, quirks and fears. So for them to see this story play out will be more meaningful given everything that has happened to both her and her mother. I think this is the beauty of our genre ‘Soap’. However, I am more than aware of the huge responsibility with us telling this story. I hope we can do it justice. It won’t be all doom and gloom, there will be ups and downs just like with anything. But I hope it looks and feels real. And if just a few people get help for breast changes that do not feel or look right, it could do some good too.”
Cassie Kingswell, clinical nurse specialist at Breast Cancer Now said: “With one in seven women in the UK developing breast cancer in their lifetime, Chas’ experience will resonate with thousands of Emmerdale viewers. Supporting people diagnosed with breast cancer and their loved ones, via our services, we’re able to draw on this insight along with our knowledge and extensive experience to provide informed, expert guidance for this storyline. We know that the sooner breast cancer is diagnosed, the better the chances of treatment being successful, and ultimately lives being saved.
“As such, Emmerdale is delivering an important health message by raising awareness of the importance of breast checking, of knowing breast cancer signs and symptoms, and getting any new or unusual changes checked by a GP. We’re here for anyone affected by breast cancer, or with questions about breast health. If you’ve been affected by Chas’ storyline or are looking for information and support, call our team of expert nurses on Breast Cancer Now’s free confidential Helpline on 0808 800 6000, or email our confidential ask our nurse service.”
Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 and ITVX at 7.30pm
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletter by clicking here
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
