Hollyoaks spoilers follow.
Hollyoaks is embarking on a heartbreaking new storyline for Mercedes McQueen, as she has been diagnosed with bowel cancer.
Today’s (September 16) episode, which is available on the Channel 4 streaming service now and will air on E4 later, is the first after the one-year time jump.
One of the new storylines sees Mercedes months after her diagnosis. She has had surgery to fit a stoma and colostomy bag, and is going through chemotherapy.
Although in an early scene, Mercedes tells Leela Lomax that she hopes she’s nearly at the end of her chemotherapy, she will soon learn that doctors have found a secondary tumour.
Related: Hollyoaks star responds to shocking death storyline
The Channel 4 soap is working with Bowel Cancer UK to make sure make sure the storyline is portrayed sensitively and accurately.
One of the aims is to show how, although bowel cancer is mostly diagnosed in those over 50, it can affect younger people as well. It also intends to show how important getting an early diagnosis is.
“This story is incredibly important to me,” said Jennifer Metcalfe, who plays Mercedes. “When I was aged 15 I lost my dad to bowel cancer and it has impacted my life hugely.
“I have never taken my own health for granted, so when we discussed the storyline I jumped at the chance to do anything that might encourage conversation.
“Mercedes deals with it in her own way, she’s never felt so vulnerable. We’ve never seen that side of her and if people are talking about that then hopefully it becomes talking about their own health.
Related: Former Hollyoaks star Niamh Blackshaw lands new soap role
“I have been grateful to be guided by Bowel Cancer UK and glad they can offer help and support to anyone interested in the storyline or who wants to know more about how to spot the symptoms and what best to do if you are worried.”
Hollyoaks‘ executive producer Hannah Cheers added: “The advice and guidance of Bowel Cancer UK has been invaluable.
“In coming months we will be with Mercedes as she continues to receive treatment and we will see how that impacts her physically and emotionally and the impact on her friends and family.
“We will also learn how her diagnosis came about, and through that, how we can all be vigilant with spotting symptoms. We know that portrayals on television increase awareness and the numbers of people seeking advice and very much hope that this storyline will play a part in that.”
According to Cancer Research UK, 9 in 10 people survive bowel cancer for 5 years or more, if diagnosed at its earliest stage.
Bowel Cancer UK’s chief executive Genevieve Edwards added: “We are pleased to be working with Hollyoaks on this important and brave storyline.
“Mercedes McQueen is one of the most recognised characters in the show and her bowel cancer journey will raise vital awareness about early diagnosis and the realities of living with the disease in a powerful and accessible way.”
Edwards added that the storyline aims to “share the importance of early diagnosis and help save lives as Mercedes’ story unfolds…
“Remember – for most people experiencing symptoms it won’t turn out to be bowel cancer, but getting checked is vital as the earlier bowel cancer is spotted, the more treatable it is likely to be.”
Hollyoaks has worked with Bowel Cancer UK on Mercedes’ story. Further information is also available via the NHS website, Macmillan Cancer Support or Cancer Research UK.
Hollyoaks airs on Mondays-Wednesdays with its Channel 4 streaming premiere at 7am, then an E4 broadcast the same night at 7pm. Full episodes are also released on YouTube a week after their Channel 4 release.
Selected omnibus episodes are available via Prime Video.