A farmer’s experience of prostate cancer is set to feature on screens after helping to inform a new storyline in the popular TV soap Emmerdale.
English farmer Denys Fell, hailing from East Yorkshire, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2024 and has since been keen to raise awareness of the disease, particularly among those living and working in rural comunities.
His experience has now been used to help shape a storyline involving long-standing Emmerdale character Cain Dingle, played by Jeff Hordley, as the character navigates his own prostate cancer diagnosis.
The storyline, which will run from this month until June, is part of a partnership between Emmerdale and Macmillan Cancer Support as part of the charity’s Fair Cancer Care campaign.
‘One of the biggest shocks of my life’
Speaking about his diagnosis, Fell described the shock of being told that he had cancer despite feeling fit and well, with the farmer even completing the Boston Marathon 12 months earlier.
He said: “I got one of the biggest shocks of my life when I was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
“It all began with a routine blood test when my doctor became concerned about my PSA levels, I didn’t even understand what these were.”
Fell outlined that he was referred to a specialist and received the diagnosis shortly after.
“Within five minutes of being at the surgery, the specialist sat me down and told me I had cancer, I couldn’t believe it,” the farmer recalled.
Coming from a farming background like many of Emmerdale‘s residents, Fell also pointed to the particular challenges faced by those in rural areas.
He highlighted that farmers can be at a higher risk of certain cancers, such as prostate and skin cancer, while also facing barriers in accessing services due to location and the nature of their work.
As part of the collaboration with the TV show, cancer information resources from Macmillan will feature within episodes, alongside additional content across social media and online platforms directing viewers to further support.
Macmillan
Chief engagement officer at Macmillan, Sonia Sudhakar said that the collaboration will widen their reach to offer support for those with cancer diagnoses.
She said: “At Macmillan, our mission is to reach everyone affected by cancer, wherever they are, so they can get support when they need it.
“Partnering with Emmerdale allows us to do that in a trusted, familiar setting.
“Cain Dingle’s prostate cancer storyline highlights the real challenges people face – from talking to loved ones, to coping with isolation, to managing the emotional impact of treatment – and shows the support Macmillan provides at every stage.”
Also speaking on the partnership, Emmerdale‘s creative director for continuing drama, Iain McLeod noted that the storyline aims ro reflect the real-life experiences of those living with cancer in rural communities.
He commented: “We’re proud to work with Macmillan on this partnership with Emmerdale to bring Cain’s prostate cancer story to life and help raise awareness of the support available to the millions of people facing their own cancer diagnoses across the UK.
“This partnership helps illustrate the real experiences and challenges many people face when diagnosed with cancer for which Macmillan provides practical, emotional and clinical support.”
Further support for anyone who is affected by cancer can be found on Macmillan’s website.