The latest episode of the ITV soap leaves Vanity’s future uncertain…
BY SOPHIE GRIFFITHS, IMAGE VIA ITV
Emmerdale fans have been left shocked and heartbroken as our favourite queer character, Vanessa Woodfield (Michelle Hardwick), received some devastating news regarding her health in tonight’s episode.
It was revealed that vet Vanessa has bowel cancer by the man currently holding her hostage, Pierce Harris (Jonathan Wrather).
Due to Vanessa’s current situation she is unable to share the news with any of her loved ones in Emmerdale, and the only character currently aware of her diagnosis is hostage-taker Pierce.
Her partner Charity currently believes that Vanessa has left to go on their honeymoon to Paris after their cancelled wedding, utterly unaware of her true predicament. However, Charity is concerned by Vanessa’s disappearance and the fact she hasn’t been answering her phone, so we pray Charity will uncover the truth soon.
This important storyline is now set to play out on Emmderdale over the coming months as Vanessa comes to terms with her diagnosis and symptoms and begins to undergo extensive treatment.
The Emmerdale team have been working closely with charity Bowel Cancer UK to ensure they handle the issue in the correct way within the show.
The road ahead maybe rocky and fraught for Vanity, but we hope that their love keeps them both strong as the storyline develops.
Genevieve Edwards, Chief Executive at Bowel Cancer UK, says: “We greatly appreciated the opportunity to work with the Emmerdale team on this important storyline. While everyone’s experience of diagnosis is different, it is vital that Vanessa’s story is as accurate as possible.”
“Although bowel cancer is more common in the over 50s, it can affect people of all ages. More than 2,500 people under 50, like Vanessa, are diagnosed with the disease in the UK every year. This storyline will help to raise awareness of bowel cancer, and we hope it encourages viewers to recognise the symptoms and visit their GP if they’re concerned.”
Actor Michelle Hardwick revealed: “This is such a challenging storyline, but we’ve been working closely with Bowel Cancer UK, who have been enormously helpful to me in researching Vanessa’s symptoms and treatment. I hope to do Vanessa’s story justice. I was actually really shocked to learn that bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK and the second biggest cancer killer, but diagnosed early is treatable.”
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