Emmerdale's Vanessa Woodfield diagnosed with bowel cancer

\'Emmerdale\' have teamed up with Bowel Cancer UK to work on a new storyline, which has seen Michelle Hardwick\'s character diagnosed with the disease.

The 43-year-old star, who plays Vanessa Woodfield in the ITV soap, admits the plot is "challenging" but the charity have been "enormously helpful" throughout her research and she is hoping to do the storyline "justice".

She said: "This is such a challenging storyline, but we\'ve been working closely with Bowel Cancer UK, who have been enormously helpful to me in researching Vanessa\'s symptoms and treatment.

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"I hope to do Vanessa\'s story justice.

"I was actually really shocked to learn that bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK and the second biggest cancer killer, but diagnosed early is treatable."

Viewers found out in last night\'s (17.02.20) episode that Vanessa has bowel cancer.

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It was revealed by Pierce Harris (Jonathan Wrather), who is holding her hostage.

The plot will play out over the coming months and Vanessa will undergo extensive treatment.

Genevieve Edwards, Chief Executive at Bowel Cancer UK, said: "We greatly appreciated the opportunity to work with the Emmerdale team on this important storyline.

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"While everyone\'s experience of diagnosis is different, it is vital that Vanessa\'s story is as accurate as possible.

"Although bowel cancer is more common in the over 50s, it can affect people of all ages. More than 2,500 people under 50, like Vanessa, are diagnosed with the disease in the UK every year.

"This storyline will help to raise awareness of bowel cancer, and we hope it encourages viewers to recognise the symptoms and visit their GP if they\'re concerned."