Surgery and your sex life: breaking down Emmerdale’s powerful prostate cancer plotline

It’s one of the nation’s longest running TV soaps, known for its cast of much-loved characters and dramatic storylines.  

But in recent weeks, fans of ITV’s Emmerdale have been glued to their screens for a very different reason – a powerful new plot that sees one of the show’s most recognisable faces come to terms with a prostate cancer diagnosis. 

Earlier this year, viewers were shocked to discover that Cain Dingle – played by actor Jeff Hordley – had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of the disease. And in recent weeks, they’ve followed Cain as he deals with the news of his diagnosis and considers the treatment options ahead of him.  

The plotline also sees Cain contemplate the possibility of lifechanging side effects after surgery, while wrestling with the impact on his family and friends. 

As the dramatic story unfolds on our screens, there’s one man watching at home who knows exactly how the plot plays out.  

Alongside our team of Specialist Nurses, Andrew Coverdale worked closely with the Emmerdale scriptwriters to make sure Cain’s experience of prostate cancer was as true to real life as possible. 

“I’ve found watching the scenes very emotional,” says Andrew, who was diagnosed in 2019 and shared his family’s story with the show’s production team to help them develop Cain’s plotline. 

“They wanted to make the soap as accurate as possible. They wanted knowledge of the emotional side and how it affected us. I think it’s great that the soap is running this powerful story to raise awareness.” 

After being hospitalised following a dramatic bus crash, Cain’s scans reveal signs of a possible tumour and he’s offered further tests. When these tests reveal cancer, we see him considering the option of surgery to remove his prostate. 

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

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

“I was warned the nerve damage could be ‘hit and miss’ and could lead to having 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 the possible changes to their sex lives. 

“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,” explains Andrew. 

“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.”

Andrew, who’s now enjoying his retirement after a career in corporate banking, was able to return home within a couple of days of his surgery. 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 operation 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 public attention around the Emmerdale storyline will help more men understand their risk of prostate cancer and the options in front of them. 

“Like Cain was seen trying to be brave, I outwardly tried to put on a brave face too,” says Andrew.  

“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. 

“My family were very supportive, as was my wife Anne. 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 to raise awareness.”