Fans of Emmerdale were left in shock last week as it was revealed Vanessa Woodfield is battling bowel cancer.
But she hadn’t yet told her family the news as she was being held hostage by evil Pierce Harris.
With the drama surrounding Pierce’s return set to come to a head tonight (Tuesday February 25), the aftermath for Vanessa sees her face her toughest test yet.
The dust will barely have settled on her ordeal when Vanessa is forced to face the first hurdle: breaking the news to fiancée Charity Dingle.
Read more: Emmerdale SPOILERS: Marlon disowns the Dingles
When she does finally pluck up the courage to tell Charity everything, actress Michelle Hardwick, who plays Vanessa, has revealed Charity’s reaction isn’t great.
Speaking to Inside Soap, Michelle explained: “Charity’s reaction is everything that Vanessa fears – she just panics.
“Charity keeps her distance from Vanessa, which only makes her feel more alone than ever.
“She just wants Charity to tell her they can get through this together.”
![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_-scaled.jpg)
Charity’s reaction is everything that Vanessa fears.
Can they face this together? Or will it drive them further apart?
Vanessa’s cancer news was revealed when Pierce was holding her hostage.
Emmerdale has revealed Vanessa’s storyline will play out over the coming months as she comes to terms with her diagnosis and symptoms, as well as undergoing extensive treatment.
The team has been working with charity Bowel Cancer UK regarding this storyline.
Genevieve Edwards, Chief Executive at Bowel Cancer UK, said: “We greatly appreciated the opportunity to work with the Emmerdale team on this important storyline.
“While everyone’s experience of diagnosis is different, it is vital that Vanessa’s story is as accurate as possible.”
“Although bowel cancer is more common in the over 50s, it can affect people of all ages. More than 2,500 people under 50, like Vanessa, are diagnosed with the disease in the UK every year.
“This storyline will help to raise awareness of bowel cancer, and we hope it encourages viewers to recognise the symptoms and visit their GP if they’re concerned.”
Read more: Next week’s Emmerdale in pictures
Michelle explained: “This is such a challenging storyline, but we’ve been working closely with Bowel Cancer UK, who have been enormously helpful to me in researching Vanessa’s symptoms and treatment.
“I hope to do Vanessa’s story justice. I was actually really shocked to learn that bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK and the second biggest cancer killer, but diagnosed early is treatable.”
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