Channel 4’s flagship continuing drama Hollyoaks is to highlight the fourth most common cancer in the UK through main character Mercedes McQueen, and her friends and family.
From today (Monday September 16) a time-jump of one year will see Hollyoaks explore new storylines of Chester villagers, a year on from where we left the residents. A main focal point amongst the community will be Mercedes McQueen’s cancer diagnosis.
Although predominantly affecting people over the age of 50, bowel cancer can affect anyone of any age and Hollyoaks is to show this form of cancer in a younger person.
With words of advice from friends and family to ‘show cancer no mercy’, the storyline will show the illness through the lens of the well-known, unconventional character, as a single-parent of young children.
The episodes will address how the life-changing diagnosis changes her with a focus on raising awareness of early-diagnosis and how important her support network is.
Hollyoaks has worked closely with the charity Bowel Cancer UK who have advised on the storyline, partnering with the soap to encourage conversations about the illness.
Genevieve Edwards, chief executive at Bowel Cancer UK, said: “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.
“Research shows that more than 9 in 10 people survive bowel cancer when it is diagnosed at its earliest stage. By shining a lens on the disease, Hollyoaks will help us share the importance of early diagnosis and help save lives as Mercedes’ story unfolds. In the meantime to find out more about bowel cancer, including what symptoms to look out for, and where to get support, visit our website or get in touch with us.
“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.”
Viewers will join Mercedes several months after her diagnosis, having had surgery to fit a stoma and colostomy bag and having had chemotherapy alongside a diagnosis of a secondary tumour.
Hannah Cheers, executive producer of Hollyoaks, 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.”
Jennifer Metcalfe, who plays Mercedes McQueen, said: “This story is incredibly important to me. 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. 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.”
