How one man’s prostate cancer story inspired Emmerdale’s powerful new plotline

If you’ve been watching ITV’s Emmerdale recently, you’ll know that an emotional new plotline is putting prostate cancer at the centre of the much-loved soap. 

Earlier this week, fans of the show were shocked to discover that popular character Cain Dingle – played by actor Jeff Hordley – had been diagnosed with an aggressive but localised form of the disease after a month-long wait for test results. 

The dramatic storyline is set to unfold over the coming weeks. But in reality, it’s been many months in the making. 

Our expert Specialist Nurses have worked with Emmerdale’s scriptwriters, research and production teams to make sure Cain’s experience of prostate cancer is as true to real life as possible. We’ve also provided lots of extra information, to help viewers know where they can turn for more support.  

But there’s one man whose story has helped bring this important plotline to life for the millions of people watching at home.   

“I’ve found watching the Emmerdale scenes very emotional,” says Andrew Coverdale, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2019 and has been sharing his family’s experience with the show’s production team to help them develop Cain’s story. 

“They wanted to make the soap as accurate as possible and Emmerdale have to be applauded for this,” Andrew explains.

“They wanted knowledge of the emotional side and how it affected us. It’s great the soap is running this powerful story to raise awareness.”  

One of Emmerdale’s most familiar faces, Cain is seen hospitalised following a dramatic mini-bus crash last month. By total chance, scans point to signs of a possible tumour and he’s sent for further tests. 

In a new episode, aired on Wednesday 4 February, Cain finds out he has prostate cancer and discusses with his doctor the option of having a prostatectomy.  

Andrew was faced with a similar dilemma when he received his own diagnosis at the age of 57, knowing that surgery to remove the prostate could have an impact on his sex life. 

After discussing his options with his wife Anne – a retired cancer nurse – Andrew decided going ahead with surgery was the right choice for him. 

“I was warned the nerve damage can be ‘hit and miss’ and can lead to no sex life,” says Andrew. “But my wife and I talked it through and we both decided robotic surgery was the right option for me. I wanted to be here for my wife and children – and that was more important.” 

Andrew says he and Anne went ahead with the surgery feeling prepared to accept changes to their sex life.  

“We always knew that, if it did happen, it was far more important that I was alive and well – so I continue to feel relief that I’m still here,” he adds. 

“Anne thinks exactly the same as me – as do our kids. I’m fit and healthy. I can still drive and do all the things I used to be able to do.  

“Besides, if my wife hadn’t pushed me to get a PSA blood test, I wouldn’t be here. It’s as simple as that.” 

In Emmerdale, Cain’s diagnosis comes completely out of the blue. Although it was a shock for Andrew too, he’d first become aware of his prostate cancer risk a year before his diagnosis, when the husband of one of his wife’s friends sadly died from the disease. 

It spurred Andrew into action and he asked his GP for a PSA blood test to check for early warning signs. He was twice given the all-clear, before a third test in March 2019, which showed a higher PSA level than normal.  

A further MRI scan and biopsy confirmed his diagnosis in June 2019 – and it was only three months later that he was booked in for surgery. 

“I was fit and healthy, but for peace of mind I asked my doctor if I could have a PSA blood test alongside a routine cholesterol check,” says Andrew. “I thought I’d be fine, but to my shock the test came back [higher than normal]. 

“Like Cain was seen trying to be brave, I outwardly tried to put on a brave face too. I’d always been brought up to have a stiff upper lip. 

“I wanted to protect my family as I knew it was going to have a big impact on us all. But inwardly I was so upset and in turmoil.” 

Andrew, who’s now retired following a career in corporate banking, was able to return home within a couple of days of his operation.

He had a catheter fitted for the next two weeks and then had daily blood-thinning injections for a month. 

Although the nerve damage from the surgery has led to changes in his sex life, Andrew is grateful to be able to spend quality time with his family. 

Now he hopes the Emmerdale storyline – which will also explore how Cain’s family and friends come to terms with his diagnosis – will help more men understand their risk of prostate cancer and the options they can consider. 

“[My family] were very supportive, as was my wife Anne,” says Andrew. “It helped enormously that she used to work as a cancer nurse and I was able to open up to her about how I was feeling.  

“I had no symptoms and I have my wife to thank for my life. I hope that by sharing my story, this will help raise awareness.” 

You can follow Cain Dingle’s prostate cancer story in Emmerdale on ITV or ITVX, with new episodes on weekdays from 7.30pm. In the meantime, take 30 seconds to check your risk using our simple online Risk Checker. It might just save your life.