Juliet decides to plan her own funeral, with some help from her loved ones (Picture: Lime Pictures)

Juliet Nightingale (Niamh Blackshaw) will realise the reality of her situation in Hollyoaks next week as she sets about planning for her own funeral.

The beloved character was told by doctors earlier this week that her cancer had spread while she was poorly in hospital with norovirus and, as a result, there isn’t anything more that can be done for her.

In other words, her condition is now terminal.

Juliet struggled to process the news, resolving to keep quiet until after James Nightingale’s (Gregory Finnegan) wedding, much to the dismay of Peri Lomax (Ruby O’Donnell) who was adamant that she’d need her loved ones around her more than ever.

After some advice from Peri, Juliet broke the news of her prognosis to Donna-Marie Quinn (Lucy-Jo Hudson), who burst into tears, vowing to support her daughter on the difficult road ahead.

James and Romeo (Owen Warner), meanwhile, remained blissfully unaware of Jules’ prognosis, that is until the former’s wedding day, which saw him marry Ste Hay (Kieron Richardson).

The groom subsequently enjoyed a dance with Juliet, before heartbreak ensued, with Jules collapsing on the dance floor, before revealing to everyone in attendance that she’s dying.

Peri offers Juliet some assistance with the planning (Picture: Lime Pictures)

The devastating news inevitably comes as a shock to both James and Romeo. Juliet, meanwhile, is determined to spend what time she’s got left with her loved ones, but before that, she intends to plan her own funeral.

Monday’s (May 22) first look edition of the Channel 4 soap will see emotional scenes ensue, with Peri and Romeo both offering to help her with the planning, determined to help Juliet ensure that the funeral is exactly how she wants it.

The reality of what this means, however, soon kicks in, with Juliet breaking down in tears, heartbroken at the prospect of saying goodbye to her nearest and dearest.

Romeo offer his help too (Picture: Lime Pictures)

Niamh, who plays Juliet, confirmed her departure from the show earlier this week by revealing that her character will die in upcoming scenes. Nadira Valli star Ashling O’Shea, meanwhile, spoke to Metro.co.uk about Juliet’s heartbreaking prognosis – and the importance of this storyline.

‘As much as everything is heightened, these shows are supposed to be a reflection of real life to some degree,’ she said. ‘We have the opportunity to speak to issues affecting people, to make people feel seen and to raise awareness for those who have no idea.

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‘Most people have been affected by cancer in one way or another, but to see this storyline played out with someone so young is devastating but so important.

‘How many people miss signs because we just think we’re too young to experience diseases like cancer? These stories could make people think, encourage them to get things checked, they could save a life.

One to watch: Monday May 22 at 7pm on E4 and All4.

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The reality of Juliet’s situation hits her as she plans for her funeral.