Emmerdale star Eden Taylor-Draper has opened up on her sister Francesca’s devastating cancer diagnosis at the age of 14.
The 24-year-old actress, who is best known for playing Belle Dingle, appeared on Lorraine earlier today (November 9).
Joined by her younger sister, Eden shared their story after Francesca was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia three years ago.
Emmerdale star Eden Taylor-Draper
The pair went into detail on Francesca’s recovery after the devastating diagnosis.
Meanwhile, Eden recalled the phone call she received about her sister’s health battle on the set of Emmerdale.
Eden said: “They have been amazing. We were on tea break and they just said, ‘Go, anything you need we’re here’, and I was just in shock.
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“They gave me a month off, so while Ches was in intensive chemo, I could be there. They’re amazing.”
Francesca, 17, also called her diagnosis a “massive shock”.
She shared: “I don’t think any of us were expecting it.
“The treatment started very fast, so we didn’t have a lot of time to process it, but I’m doing really well now.”
Sharing how she felt after being diagnosed, Francesca explained: “I felt tired and I lost quite a bit of weight but the most telling thing was I was having these really bad leg pains, like excruciating.
“I couldn’t walk and I was having to leave school early.”
Eden later admitted how “tough” it was to see her sister battle the illness.
The actress said: “It was so tough to see someone you love so much, and someone so tiny, going through all of that.
“As much as you’re there supporting them, you can’t fix it or help.”
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What has Eden said in the past?
It isn’t the first time Eden has opened up on her sister’s health.
Last year, the soap star revealed that Francesca’s diagnosis had only brought her family closer together.
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She told The Mirror: “We’re really close but it’s definitely made our bond much stronger. From the moment Chessie was diagnosed, we’ve been speaking non-stop.
“From day one of this journey, Chessie’s just smashed it. Even on the bad days she’s still smiled or there’s always been a moment of happiness.”
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