Emmerdale favourite Faith Dingle (Sally Dexter) will be diagnosed with cancer again in episodes to air later this week, it has been revealed.
The mother of Cain (Jeff Hordley) and Chas (Lucy Pargeter) previously battled breast cancer in 2016 and overcame the disease, albeit having to suffer a double mastectomy.
Later this week Faith will learn that the cancer has returned, a development she shares with Moira (Natalie J Robb) but is unable to communicate to Cain and Chas.
"It's upsetting, but really important as a storyline, because it's more than a storyline for so many people," Dexter said.
"It matters to people who are going through it as well as people who will go through it. I feel a sense of real responsibility, but also a privilege to be doing this storyline."
Soap producer Laura Shaw added: "Faith's devastating cancer diagnosis will impact not only her life, but all those around her. We know at the very core of the Dingles is a strong sense of family and love, so for them to try and navigate through this heartbreaking time will be incredibly difficult.
"Faith's zest for life with her spicy sense of humour and appetite for fun and adventure means that while there will inevitably be some painful and heart wrenching moments, we will also see life affirming and positive moments of light in the story too.
"Given the calibre of actor Sally is, I know she will approach the story with great honesty and depth and do it justice and this in turn will raise awareness of such an important issue that affects many people on a daily basis."
Emmerdale continues weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV.
Neil Wilkes
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