The fan-favourite character’s diagnosis will be explored in new scenes

An Emmerdale star has said the upcoming storyline for Cain Dingle will be ‘heartbreaking’ as the fan-favourite character is diagnosed with cancer.

In upcoming scenes, Cain, played by Oldham actor Jeff Hordley, learns he has aggressive, yet localised, prostate cancer. Investigations began after he was admitted to hospital following a gunshot as he attempted to chase down villain John Sugden in the aftermath of the Corriedale crash.

Alone due to his wife Moira Dingle’s own turmoil, as she is charged with double murder following the unravelling of Celia Daniels’ criminal activity, a special episode, as the 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.

Now, Jeff’s co-star Katie Hill has opened up about what’s ahead. “It’s going to be a heartbreaking and a difficult watch at times,” the actress, who has portrayed Sarah Sugden, since 2017 told Inside Soap. “But because cancer is so prevalent in so many people’s lives, it’s an important story to tell.

“And as we know, Jeff Hordley, who plays Cain, is such an incredible actor, and getting to see him play out the story, it’ll be heartbreaking, but I know that it’s going to be an incredible performance.”