Emmerdale’s Faith Dingle devastated as breast cancer returns – as she keeps it secret

EMMERDALE favourite Faith Dingle will face a devastating health battle as she discovers her cancer has returned.

The barmaid – who is played by actress Sally Dexter in the ITV soap – has been spiralling out of control after the struggle of keeping a secret to herself.

But this week she will open up to daughter in law Moira about it – and confirm her cancer has returned.

Moira urges Faith to tell the rest of the family, but she is adamant that she wants to mend her relationships first. 

The episodes have been produced with the support of the charity Breast Cancer Now who are working closely with the Emmerdale production team on Faith’s secondary cancer storyline to give it a realistic and authentic depiction.  

Actress Sally Dexter said: “It’s upsetting, but really important as a storyline, because it’s more than a storyline for so many people. 

“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.”

Emmerdale boss Laura Shaw said: “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.”

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Catherine Priestley, Clinical Nurse Specialist at Breast Cancer Now, said: “With it estimated that around 35,000 people are living with secondary breast cancer in the UK, it’s been an incredibly important opportunity for us to provide expert guidance around Faith’s storyline – giving a steer to script writers as to how her diagnosis and experience of the disease can be portrayed accurately and raising awareness of some of the signs and symptoms of secondary breast cancer among millions of Emmerdale fans.

“Everyone’s experience of breast cancer is different, but we know from calls to our Helpline just how anxious women may feel about the possibility of their cancer returning, and how overwhelming the impact of a secondary breast cancer diagnosis can be for patients and their families.”