Emmerdale's Cain Dingle will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in upcoming heartbreaking scenes, with actor Jeff Hordley expressing he feels 'honoured' by the special episode. The ITV soap will document every stage of the health battle, with Cain's decline kicking off as he is diagnosed in scenes to air next week.
Cain, played by Jeff Hordley, 55, for over two decades, learns he has an aggressive, yet localised, form of the cancer after getting checked. He will be left overwhelmed by the diagnosis, as well as the potential side effects of the treatment plan recommended by specialists. Cain is seen cutting the consultation short and leaving the doctors after it all becomes too much for him to handle.
The special episode, dedicated to the new storyline, will draw focus on Cain's inner thoughts, telling the story from his perspective. Cain is seen struggling to process the news, causing mounting denial and anger that sees him clash with anyone who crosses his path. It's not only his health that Cain is losing sleep over, but his wife Moira, played by Natalie J Robb, who has just been charged with murder.
The episodes focusing on Cain's diagnosis have been made in conjunction with Prostate Cancer UK, who helped the Emmerdale scriptwriters in the conception of the storyline for authenticity and realism. Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw said: '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. It’s also a love story for Cain and Moira as they navigate the tough times ahead as a married couple.'
Actor Jeff Hordley added: '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.'
Prostate Cancer UK's Laura Kerby concluded: '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.'
