Shane Richie's Alfie Moon is to be diagnosed with prostate cancer in a new EastEnders storyline.
The plot, which begins in tonight's episode, has been developed in conjunction with charities Prostate Cancer UK and Macmillan Cancer Support.
The soap's exec producer Chris Clenshaw said: "When we first embarked on this storyline we knew it was imperative that we worked alongside Prostate Cancer UK and Macmillan Cancer Support to take on and accurately portray such an emotional and pivotal storyline for Alfie, and one that many viewers may relate to.
"Shane has thoughtfully portrayed the realities of being diagnosed with prostate cancer with grace and understanding.
"We hope that this storyline resonates with the audience, and that we represent it as sensitively, and as accurately as possible."
Amy Rylance of Prostate Cancer UK added: "It's been a pleasure working alongside EastEnders on their prostate cancer storyline, and we salute the BBC for approaching Prostate Cancer UK to ensure the narrative is as close to real life as possible.
"Every man's experience of prostate cancer is unique, and it's so important for viewers to be given accurate information about the disease.
"It's been a privilege to provide insight into Alfie Moon's journey with prostate cancer, ensuring an authentic story is told every step of the way. Introducing Shane to one of our supporters affected by prostate cancer gave him the opportunity to understand what it's like to experience the disease first hand."
EastEnders continues Mondays to Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One and from 6am on iPlayer.
Neil Wilkes
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