Emmerdale's Cain Dingle will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in upcoming episodes, actor Jeff Hordley has revealed. The 55-year-old, who has played the hardman for 25 years, said the storyline is the most challenging of his career as he wants to accurately represent the experience for the many men affected by the disease.
In the soap, Cain, 51, discovers a mass on his prostate after being shot during the Corriedale special in January. Following a month-long wait, he is told the cancer is localised but aggressive, requiring urgent surgery. Doctors warn of potential side effects including incontinence and erectile dysfunction, leaving Cain terrified to tell his family, especially with his wife Moira in prison.
Hordley explained that Cain's reaction is to snap at everyone and keep his diagnosis secret. 'He is frightened of telling anyone. Everything is falling to pieces and he doesn't deal with his diagnosis at all well,' Hordley said. The actor, who is married to fellow Emmerdale star Zoe Henry, has been working with Prostate Cancer UK to raise awareness.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, affecting one in eight men, with the risk doubling for Black men. Early detection through a PSA blood test significantly improves survival rates. Hordley urged men at higher risk to get tested, adding that he plans to book a test himself after filming.
The storyline was kept secret from Hordley until last September. He admitted his initial reaction was fear that it might mean the end of Cain's time on the soap, but producers assured him the storyline would continue for some time. He remains tight-lipped about future plot developments.
