A farmer’s experience of prostate cancer is helping to shape a new health-focused storyline in the ITV soap Emmerdale, with the aim of encouraging more people to seek advice and early diagnosis.
Denys Fell, who farms in East Yorkshire, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2024. Since then, he has been keen to raise awareness of the condition, particularly among those in rural and agricultural communities. His personal experience has now contributed to a storyline centred on Cain Dingle, as the long-standing character comes to terms with his own diagnosis.
As part of the collaboration, Denys met several members of the cast, including Jeff Hordley, Natalie J Robb, Emma Atkins and Katie Hill, and discussed how the portrayal of cancer on screen reflected his own journey.
The storyline will run between April and June and forms part of a wider partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support, supporting its Fair Cancer Care campaign.
While a cancer diagnosis is life-changing for anyone, those in rural areas can face additional challenges, including limited access to healthcare services and support networks. Denys said that farmers and agricultural workers can also be at increased risk of conditions such as prostate and skin cancer, making awareness and early checks even more important.
The episodes are expected to highlight these challenges, while also pointing viewers towards the practical and emotional support available through Macmillan.
Now aged 75, Denys said his diagnosis came as a complete surprise, particularly as he had been in good health and had even completed the Boston Marathon the year before.
“I got one of the biggest shocks of my life when I was diagnosed with prostate cancer,” he said.
“It all began with a routine blood test when my doctor became concerned about my PSA levels, I didn’t even understand what these were.
“He told me I needed to get it checked out and so I went to a specialist. Within 5 minutes of being at the surgery he sat me down and told me I had cancer. I couldn’t believe it. He'd felt a hard lump on the left hand-side on my prostate, so he sent me for an MRI and following that I went for a biopsy."
Despite the invasive nature of some of the procedures, he said the support from medical staff helped to put him at ease.
“You're in quite an undignified position during it, but the sonographer Andy was a really pleasant guy, and the delightful nurse Kayleigh was at my side, so it was just like we were talking in a coffee shop about everyday things really."
As part of the initiative, Macmillan information will feature within the programme, alongside online content and social media activity directing viewers to further help and advice.
Contributors from The Farming Community Network will also be involved, sharing real-life perspectives alongside the storyline.
The Farming Community Network is working in partnership with Macmillan through the Rural Communities Cancer Project, which aims to improve access to information and support for those living and working in the countryside.
Head of operations and communications at FCN, Alex Phillimore said the initiative was a step in the right direction.
"People in farming communities often face unique challenges accessing healthcare support due to where they live and the nature of the work they do. This partnership is an encouraging development, helping to ensure farming and rural voices are amplified and shape the public conversation around health issues such as cancer.”
Chief engagement officer at Macmillan, Sonia Sudhakar said the partnership with Emmerdale would help reach audiences who might not otherwise seek out information.
"Cain Dingle’s prostate cancer storyline highlights the real challenges people face - from talking to loved ones, to coping with isolation, to managing the emotional impact of treatment - and shows the support Macmillan provides at every stage.”
Iain MacLeod, creative director for continuing drama at Emmerdale, added that the programme was proud to work with Macmillan to bring an important and relatable story to viewers.
More information on prostate cancer and available support is available through Macmillan’s dedicated Emmerdale campaign pages: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/emmerdale
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