Emmerdale confirms hard-hitting cancer storyline for show legend Chas Dingle

Chas is given some life-changing news (Picture: ITV/Metro.co.uk)

Chas Dingle’s (Lucy Pargeter) world will turn upside down in upcoming Emmerdale episodes when she discovers a lump in her breast.

Her cancer diagnosis will be emotional and frightening, but with added stress due to her mum Faith’s (Sally Dexter) heartbreaking death after her own cancer fight.

At the start of the storyline, Chas will enjoy a brief fling with local doctor Liam (Jonny McPherson). However, he will tell her that he felt a lump in her breast, which understandably throws Chas.

Liam does his best to reassure her that it could be a cyst, or something benign and not cancer, but also says to Chas it’s important to make an appointment at the doctors to get checked out.

Before long, following a trip to the breast clinic, Chas will be told that she has triple negative breast cancer.

The beloved character initally decides to keep her diagnosis to herself and is keen to stay healthy. However, with Faith’s death at the forefront of her mind, Chas is well aware of the potential implications.

But can she really face this alone?

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, with one woman diagnosed every ten minutes. The ITV soap is working with the charity Breast Cancer Now, who are helping the production for the storyline.

A brief fling with Liam starts the new storyline for Chas (Picture: ITV)

Discussing this new narrative, producer Kate Brooks explained:

‘When this story was first pitched, we were acutely aware how important it was to explore this. With Chas’s family history of breast cancer and Chas being such a strong character, and in many ways the bedrock of the Dingles, we wanted to show the impact on not just her, but her immediate family. With Lucy Pargeter’s innate ability to showcase Chas’s vulnerabilities beneath her hardened exterior, we knew she was absolutely the right character to play this with.’

‘We approached Breast Cancer Now as we wanted to depict this story in the most authentic way possible. Any light we can shed on this disease and encourage and remind people to routinely check their breasts can hopefully help lead to more positive outcomes.’

Actress Lucy Pargeter said: ‘When the producers first discussed this storyline with me I knew I didn’t want us to shy away from any aspect of this diagnosis for Chas. She saw her own mother ultimately die after an incurable breast cancer diagnosis, so for Chas to receive a breast cancer diagnosis herself, makes it all the more poignant.

Chas and Cain’s mum Faith died in October 2022 after being diagnosed with breast cancer (Picture: ITV)

‘Our audience knows her so well, they have seen her relationships, know her faults, her passions, her insecurities, quirks and fears. So for them to see this story play out will be more meaningful given everything that has happened to both her and her mother. I think this is the beauty of our genre ‘Soap’. However, I am more than aware of the huge responsibility with us telling this story. I hope we can do it justice.

‘It won’t be all doom and gloom, there will be ups and downs just like with anything. But I hope it looks and feels real. And if just a few people get help for breast changes that do not feel or look right, it could do some good too.’

Cassie Kingswell, clinical nurse specialist at Breast Cancer Now reflected on the importance of breast checking and added:

‘With one in seven women in the UK developing breast cancer in their lifetime, Chas’ experience will resonate with thousands of Emmerdale viewers. Supporting people diagnosed with breast cancer and their loved ones, via our services, we’re able to draw on this insight along with our knowledge and extensive experience to provide informed, expert guidance for this storyline. We know that the sooner breast cancer is diagnosed, the better the chances of treatment being successful, and ultimately lives being saved.

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‘As such, Emmerdale is delivering an important health message by raising awareness of the importance of breast checking, of knowing breast cancer signs and symptoms, and getting any new or unusual changes checked by a GP. We’re here for anyone affected by breast cancer, or with questions about breast health.

‘If you’ve been affected by Chas’ storyline or are looking for information and support, call our team of expert nurses on Breast Cancer Now’s free confidential Helpline on 0808 800 6000, or email our confidential ask our nurse service.’

For more information and support, visit the Breast Cancer now website here.

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