In upcoming Emmerdale scenes, Dawn Taylor (played by Olivia Bromley) and her husband Billy Fletcher (Jay Kontzle) learn their baby Evan has Acute Lymphoblastic leukaemia.
The diagnosis on the ITV soap is a heartbreaking blow for the young family and it naturally changes their lives.
Actress Olivia Bromley said of the shattering storyline: “This is an incredibly challenging and heartbreaking story, but such an important story for Emmerdale to tell.”
She said she’d learned so much from working with the charity Leukaemia Care and speaking to parents with children who have been diagnosed with the illness.
The actress continued: “For Dawn and Billy, like many parents, Evan’s diagnosis turns their world upside down so unexpectedly.
“It’s been inspiring to hear the stories of strength, and resilience and also to hear of the incredible NHS staff who do such invaluable work when parents are at their lowest.
“So I hope we can also reflect this as we approach this storyline.”
Emmerdale’s Billy and Dawn have other children who they will have to explain Evan’s diagnosis when the time is right.
How will their kids Lucas Taylor (Noah Ryan Aspinall) and Clemmie (Mabel Addison) react to the news – and will they seek the help of Kim Tate (Claire King) and Will Taylor (Dean Andrews) as they navigate their way through the pain?
Emmerdale producer, Laura Shaw, commented: “Evan’s leukaemia diagnosis will come abruptly and without warning for Dawn and Billy, like it does for many parents who find themselves facing this devastating situation.
“Working closely with Leukaemia Care, it’s vital to us that we portray this story as accurately and sensitively as possible and do justice to those faced with a diagnosis like this and highlight the severe impact a long-term illness like this can have on families’ lives.”
The episodes about the diagnosis have been produced by the support of Leukaemia Care.
Colin Dyer, chief executive officer at Leukaemia Care, shared: “Every year 10,000 people are diagnosed with leukaemia in the UK.”
He expanded: “The Baby Evan storyline being featured on Emmerdale, is helping to deliver a very important message not just about the awareness of the symptoms and the condition, but about how it affects the family and those around them.”
Emmerdale airs weekday nights at 7.30pm on ITV and ITVX.
For support on leukaemia, contact 08088 010 444 or email support@leukaemiacare.org.uk. More information on leukaemia can be found at www.leukaemiacare.org.uk.