Vanessa Woodfield told Charity Dingle the devastating news that she has cancer last night, and Emmerdale viewers were heartbroken by the scenes.
On Thursday (February 27), Charity was left sobbing her eyes out after hearing Vanessa’s diagnosis and fans were in tears, too.
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The night before, Charity and Vanessa were reunited in Emmerdale for the first time since Vanessa’s horrifying hostage situation.
Heartbreaking yet so well acted, especially by Michelle.
The vet was seen recovering in hospital after the arrest of her captor Pierce Harris.
In moving scenes, Charity poured her heart out to her partner, explaining her fears over losing her – unaware that Vanessa was secretly battling bowel cancer.
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In heart-wrenching scenes, the pub landlady apologised for their past disagreements and pledged her future to Vanessa.
The next night, Vanessa knew she had to tell her partner the truth about her health.
Explaining why they can’t plan holidays and their honeymoon, she told Charity: “Just before Pierce took me, there was something that I needed to tell you.”
She continued: “Because I wanted to be certain. I didn’t want to worry you. If this could come at any other time. I’m so sorry.
“I had some tests done at the hospital and I’ve had the results. I’ve got bowel cancer.”
Charity was mortified by the horrible news, and was later seen crying her eyes out on her own.
Those watching from home were equally as distressed, with one tweeting: “This hurt my soul.”
This hurt my soul. ☹️
— nix (@honorarywyatt) February 27, 2020
I Know This is going to be so sad
— charlie (@cbracken20111) February 27, 2020
Made me cry xxx
— angela (@angela22461935) February 27, 2020
Another said: “Heartbreaking yet so well acted, especially by Michelle.”
A third added: “My fave couple. Heartbroken.”
“Well done for doing this storyline and well done to @ChelleHardwick and Emma Atkins. Thank you for highlighting bowel cancer thankfully my Mum survived it,” said one, while another added: “Made me cry.”
Last week, it was revealed that Vanessa had been diagnosed with bowel cancer.
While being held hostage by Pierce, Vanessa got an answerphone message that revealed she had missed an appointment prompting Pierce to go digging in her bag.
He soon found a letter that confirmed her diagnosis, but it was revealed she has not shared the news with anyone else, not even her partner, Charity.
Emmerdale has told how Vanessa’s cancer storyline will play out over the coming months as she comes to terms with her diagnosis and symptoms, as well as undergoing extensive treatment.
The team has been working with charity Bowel Cancer UK regarding the plot.
Genevieve Edwards, Chief Executive at Bowel Cancer UK, said: “We greatly appreciated the opportunity to work with the Emmerdale team on this important storyline.
“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.”
![FROM ITV Strictly Embargoed until: 19.30pm on Monday 17th February 2020 DEVASTATING DIAGNOSIS In tonightÕs (17/2/20) Emmerdale, veterinarian Vanessa Woodfield played by actress Michelle Hardwick was revealed to have bowel cancer. Her worrying news was revealed to the viewers by Pierce Harris (Jonathan Wrather) who is currently holding her hostage. Sadly for Vanessa due to her current situation she is unable to share her devastating news with loved ones and at this time, hostage taker Pierce is the only other character aware of her diagnosis. This important storyline will play out on Emmerdale over the coming months as Vanessa comes to terms with her diagnosis, shares her symptoms, concerns and undergoes extensive treatment. The Emmerdale team have been working with charity Bowel Cancer UK over this storyline. Picture contact - David.crook@itv.com Photographer - Mark Bruce This photograph is (C) ITV Plc and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms](https://cdn.entertainmentdaily.com/2020/02/17161254/EMBARGO_17_02_EMM_VANESSA_-scaled.jpg)
Actress Michelle Hardwick revealed: “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.
“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.”
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