![FROM ITV Strictly Embargoed until: 19.30pm on Monday 17th February 2020 DEVASTATING DIAGNOSIS In tonightÕs (17/2/20) Emmerdale, veterinarian Vanessa Woodfield played by actress Michelle Hardwick was revealed to have bowel cancer. Her worrying news was revealed to the viewers by Pierce Harris (Jonathan Wrather) who is currently holding her hostage. Sadly for Vanessa due to her current situation she is unable to share her devastating news with loved ones and at this time, hostage taker Pierce is the only other character aware of her diagnosis. This important storyline will play out on Emmerdale over the coming months as Vanessa comes to terms with her diagnosis, shares her symptoms, concerns and undergoes extensive treatment. The Emmerdale team have been working with charity Bowel Cancer UK over this storyline. Picture contact - David.crook@itv.com Photographer - Mark Bruce This photograph is (C) ITV Plc and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms](https://cdn.entertainmentdaily.com/2020/02/17161254/EMBARGO_17_02_EMM_VANESSA_-742x388.jpg)
Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins) has been trying her best to comfort Vanessa Woodfield (Michelle Hardwick), in light of her cancer diagnosis in Emmerdale.
But it’s not been easy for Charity, who fears she’s not strong enough to cope.
And when she messes up and reveals Vanessa’s plight to Tracy, things get even more strained between the pair.
With Vanessa in visible pain, Charity struggles to know what to do and ends up feeling completely useless and unable to help the woman she loves.
When Charity walks in on the surprise party that Tracy Metcalfe (Amy Walsh) has organised for Vanessa, she panics knowing that it’s not what Vanessa needs right now or can cope with, especially as her diagnosis is still a secret.
Charity forces Tracy to go outside with her and tries to tell her that the party isn’t a good idea, but Tracy refuses to abandon the plans confused about what the issue is.
Read more: Emmerdale Spoilers: Charity and Vanessa torn apart after cancer reveal?
With no other choice, Charity then blurts out that Vanessa has cancer, leaving Tracy floored.
Vanessa, who was recently diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer, told partner Charity in some extremely emotional scenes.
Vanessa announced to Charity earlier this month: “I’ve been to get the results of my scan,”
She continued: “The cancer’s at stage three, it’s spread to my lymph nodes.”
As a stunned Tracy takes in the news, she tries to get everyone to leave the party but it’s too late and a loud ‘surprise’ can be heard echoing inside.
Read more: Royal Television Society Programme Awards don’t list shortlist Emmerdale for best soap
While Vanessa initially puts on a brave face and tries to enjoy herself, her facade soon waivers when she finds out that Charity has told Tracy about her diagnosis.
As Vanessa storms off, Tracy runs after her while Charity hangs back, extremely worried about how she has betrayed Vanessa’s trust.
Vanessa ends up opening up to Tracy and talking with her about her diagnosis and her future, leaving Charity feeling side-lined.
Thinking that she is being shut out, Charity is short and snappy with Tracy, which causes things to reach boiling point between the two of them.
Can Vanessa help to calm things down and encourage the pair to build some bridges?
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