Emmerdale has announced an emotional breast cancer storyline for Chas Dingle (Lucy Pargeter), who is devastated when she discovers a lump in her breast.
Chas's diagnosis will be heartbreaking and frightening for her, especially since her mother Faith Dingle's (Sally Dexter) sad passing from the same disease.
Over the coming weeks, the barmaid will be seen having a fun fling with the village doctor Liam Cavanagh (Jonny McPherson) until he tells her he has felt a lump in her breast.
His announcement shatters the mood, and once alone Chas is consumed with fear. 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.
Following a trip to the breast clinic for diagnostic tests, Chas is given the nightmare news that she has triple negative breast cancer.
Distraught by the news, Chas initially decides to keep her diagnosis to herself. As a mother to young daughter Eve, she is keen to stay healthy, and with her mother’s history running through her mind, Chas is well aware of the potential implications.
The soap 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.
Producer Kate Brooks said: “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.”
Kate continued: “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 Pargeter said of the storyline: “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. 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.”
Emmerdale has also been working with Breast Cancer Now’s clinical nurse specialists for the storyline.
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 at 7.30 pm on ITV1, with a hour-long episode on Thursdays — see our TV Guide for full listings. You can also catch up on ITVX.
