ITV Share Add as a preferred source on Google By Carena Crawford 5 Feb 2026, 11:02 By Carena Crawford 5 Feb 2026, 11:02 That’s how you do a serious health story': Emmerdale praised for Cain’s true-to-life diagnosis It's all thanks to Jeff Hordley's superb acting Cain Dingle Cain's cancer diagnosis Jeff Hordley Share Add as a preferred source on Google By Carena Crawford 5 Feb 2026, 11:02 By Carena Crawford 5 Feb 2026, 11:02 Cain Dingle has been diagnosed with prostate cancer in Emmerdale and fans have been left in awe of actor Jeff Hordley and the soap for handling the issue so well. Some, who have experienced similar in their own life, have praised just how honest the storytelling has been. Cain Dingle was upset in Emmerdale (Credit: ITV) Cain Dingle’s powerful special episode of Emmerdale Wednesday’s episode (February 4) was a format-breaking outing for the soap. Cain was the only character in focus, everyone else was in soft focus. We heard Cain’s internal monolgue throughout; his thoughts and feelings from deep inside. He thought about not deserving Moira, he panicked when he met a man in hospital with prostate cancer that had spread and he went into meltdown over the news he himself has aggressive prostate cancer. Although the disease hasn’t yet spread, if left untreated it will grow quickly. They want to do a radical prostatectomy. Cain’s brain went into overdrive over the possibilities of incontinence and erectile dysfunction. article continues below Read all the latest spoilers Back in the village Cain snapped at everyone as his inner monologue continued to insist it was all hopeless. Cain then went to Zak’s grave where his mind said he doesn’t think he’s strong enough for this. He thinks he’s going to die. Sarah found him there and he confessed he wasn’t well. She said they were in it together as he revealed: “I’ve got cancer.” Cain then asked her about her own cancer journey: “Were you scared? Because I know I am.” The episode ended in silence as Cain hugged Sarah tightly. No theme tune played over the credits, just the sound of the wind blowing in the trees. Sarah is there for Cain, but will he accept support? (Credit: ITV) ‘That’s how you do it, Emmerdale’ The powerful episode certainly hit home to plenty of fans. They wrote on Emmerdale Insider’s Facebook page in their hundreds, sharing personal experiences and letting everyone know just how well Emmerdale has pitched this. “And that, Emmerdale, is how you do a serious health story. Great acting /portrayal from Cain (Jeff),” shared one. Others were hopeful for a positive effect on the public. “I’m hoping this is to encourage men to get their prostate checked and they don’t kill Cain off,” said one. “For once it was a an episode that hit home and pushes how important it is to get your prostrate checked early. True to life,” agreed another. “What a half hour, so true to life,” said one more. Jeff Hordley came in for huge amounts of praise for his portrayal of Cain. “This was a really powerful performance from Jeff Hordley tonight. His reaction to his diagnosis was very realistic as a lot of men don’t handle this type of news well. Hopefully this will encourage more men to be tested,” a viewer wrote. “A great, powerful lesson for soaps,” added another. “Keep it real…Cain talking about the smaller worries that must make things things worse beside the bigger worries.. Cain a true legend in Emmerdale. Jeff a wonderful, authentic and dedicated actor….Let’s hope he beats this awful cancer in his storyline…” Read more: Who’s leaving Emmerdale? All the cast exits, arrivals and returns Share Add as a preferred source on Google Good to Know Share Add as a preferred source on Google By Carena Crawford 5 Feb 2026, 11:02 By Carena Crawford 5 Feb 2026, 11:02 Next Story
