EastEnders has been working on a storyline that will see Shane Richie’s character Alfie Moon diagnosed with prostate cancer.
The BBC said the storyline will “follow Alfie and those around him as he discovers and comes to terms with his diagnosis” and has been working with the support of Prostate Cancer UK and Macmillan Cancer Support to ensure it is an “authentic story”.
Ahead of filming, Shane was introduced to one of Prostate Cancer UK’s supporters affected by the disease, which “gave him the opportunity to understand what it’s like to experience the disease first-hand”, the charity said.
EastEnders executive producer Chris Clenshaw previously teased that there will be a “tough road ahead” for Alfie following the health update.
On Monday, 14 August, Chris said: “When we first embarked on this storyline we knew it was imperative that we worked alongside Prostate Cancer UK and Macmillan Cancer Support to take on and accurately portray such an emotional and pivotal storyline for Alfie, and one that many viewers may relate to.
“Shane has thoughtfully portrayed the realities of being diagnosed with prostate cancer with grace and understanding.
“We hope that this storyline resonates with the audience and that we represent it as sensitively, and as accurately, as possible.”
Amy Rylance, head of improving care at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “It’s been a pleasure working alongside EastEnders on their prostate cancer storyline, and we salute the BBC for approaching Prostate Cancer UK to ensure the narrative is as close to real-life as possible.
“Every man’s experience of prostate cancer is unique, and it’s so important for viewers to be given accurate information about the disease.
“It’s been a privilege to provide insight into Alfie Moon’s journey with prostate cancer, ensuring an authentic story is told every step of the way.
“Introducing Shane to one of our supporters affected by prostate cancer gave him the opportunity to understand what it’s like to experience the disease first-hand.”
Meanwhile, Dany Bell, Macmillan Cancer Support’s strategic adviser for treatment, medicines and genomics, said: “Storylines like Alfie’s play a vital role in helping to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer and the impact a cancer diagnosis can have on individuals and their families.
“We also know that men can often find it difficult to talk about cancer, to protect the people around them, or simply want to stay strong.
“We hope that seeing a character like Alfie go through this experience will help open up these vital conversations and highlight the array of support that’s out there.”
Alfie Moon returned to Albert Square last September determined to win back the love of his life Kat Slater but discovered she was in a relationship with Phil Mitchell.
The character first featured in EastEnders in November 2002 and has been at the heart of storylines about dementia, cot death and infidelity.
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