A farmer’s experience of prostate cancer has helped to inform a storyline in much-loved ITV soap, Emmerdale, in a bid to help more people with cancer to get the help they need.
East Yorkshire farmer Denys Fell was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2024 and is passionate about raising awareness and encouraging others to get checked.
His experience has now been used to inform an Emmerdale storyline involving long-serving character Cain Dingle as he navigates his own experience with prostate cancer.
As part of his involvement, Denys was also invited to meet a number of the Emmerdale cast – Jeff Hordley (Cain), Natalie J Robb (his on-screen wife, Moira), Emma Atkins (his ex-partner, Charity) and Katie Hill (his Granddaughter Sarah) and to share the impact the on-screen cancer diagnosis had on him.
The activity will run from April to June across multiple episodes, in partnership between Emmerdale and Macmillan Cancer Support as part of the charity’s Fair Cancer Care campaign.
Cancer is often the biggest challenge someone will ever experience, and for some it is made even harder by factors such as where they live, what they earn, who they are or how they communicate.
Coming from a rural community like Emmerdale’s residents and Cain Dingle, Denys knows farmers can be at higher risk of certain cancers – such as skin cancer, prostate cancer and cancers caused by exposure to carcinogens.
Farmers, farm workers and people living in rural communities can also have reduced access to cancer services and support because of where they live.
The storyline will reflect these barriers and show how Macmillan is there for everyone with cancer and offering a range of support, every step of the way.
Deny’s diagnosis came as a shock to the 75-year-old farmer, who felt healthy and well, and had run the Boston Marathon 12 months earlier.
Speaking about his experience, Denys says: “I got one of the biggest shocks of my life when I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. 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.
“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 this partnership, Macmillan cancer information resources will be displayed in Emmerdale episodes, and relevant cancer information content will feature across the charity and Emmerdale’s social media channels and website, directing viewers to further support.
Viewers can also expect to see individuals from national charity The Farming Community Network (FCN) feature in content alongside the episodes, sharing their own real-life experiences.
FCN is involved in a UK-wide partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support – the Rural Communities Cancer Project – working to make cancer information and support more accessible to those working and living in rural areas.
Through the help Denys received he successfully ran the Sydney marathon less than one year after his major prostate surgery.
Alex Phillimore, Head of Operations and Communications at The Farming Community Network, said: “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.”
Errol MBE, a Hackney-based mechanic was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2010 following a doctor’s appointment about his snoring (on the request of his wife), Errol picked up a leaflet about prostate cancer and decided to book an appointment for a blood test. Following his experience, he started The Errol McKellar Foundation, and it’s estimated that he has saved 5,000 people through his work to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer. Errol was also involved in informing the development of this storyline.
Sonia Sudhakar, Chief Engagement Officer at Macmillan Cancer Support said: “At Macmillan, our mission is to reach everyone affected by cancer, wherever they are, so they can get support when they need it. Partnering with Emmerdale allows us to do that in a trusted, familiar setting. 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.
“Through this partnership, we can reach audiences beyond traditional advertising, including people who might not actively seek out health information. It’s part of our wider campaign to make cancer care fair for everyone, and a reminder that Macmillan is here to provide support and hope whenever it’s needed.”
Iain MacLeod – Creative Director for Continuing Drama at Emmerdale said: “We’re proud to work with Macmillan on this partnership with Emmerdale to bring Cain’s prostate cancer story to life and help raise awareness of the support available to the millions of people facing their own cancer diagnoses across the UK. This partnership helps illustrate the real experiences and challenges many people face when diagnosed with cancer for which Macmillan provides practical, emotional and clinical support.”
More details about Macmillan’s partnership with Emmerdale, along with clear and accessible information on Prostate Cancer and the support available to anyone affected by cancer, can be found on the Macmillan website: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/emmerdale
Media coverage:
Farmer’s cancer diagnosis to shape Emmerdale storyline – FarmingUK News
Yorkshire farmer’s cancer battle helps shape Cain Dingle Emmerdale plot – Yahoo News UK
East Yorkshire farmer informs Emmerdale prostate cancer storyline | Farm News | Farmers Guardian
Macmillan develops prostate cancer storyline on Emmerdale | The Northern Echo
Farmer’s cancer experience helps shape Emmerdale storyline – Agriland.ie
Farmer’s cancer journey featured in Emmerdale | The Scottish Farmer