Hollyoaks announces special episode for Stand Up To Cancer revolving around Mercedes McQueen
HOLLYOAKS has announced a special episode for Stand Up To Cancer.
The special charity instalment will revolve around Jennifer Metcalfe's infamous alter-ego, Mercedes McQueen.
Jennifer, 41, has played the long-running character on-screen for nearly two decades.
The actress first joined the Channel 4 serial drama in 2006 and has also starred in the spin-off, Hollyoaks Later between 2008 and 2020.
She survived the the highly-publicised time jump following a string of cuts to both the cast and the behind-the-scenes crew.
However, when the soap returned it was revealed that her character was battling an aggressive form of bowel cancer.
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Her current storyline focuses on the fan favourite as she suffers from the side effects of chemotherapy treatment.
This is all while juggling the demands of being both a single mother and pillar of support for many within her circle.
Now has been revealed that the commercial network will air a very special episode dedicated to raising awareness around cancer.
The dedicated edition will air tonight and viewers will see Mercedes' friends and family rally around to support her through the next round of treatment.
They will all be wearing t-shirts that are emblazoned with the slogan 'Strong, Sexy & Surviving,’ in the famous McQueen family leopard print.
Hollyoaks has also launched a special collaboration with Stand Up To Cancer where viewers can purchase bespoke designed t-shirts, worn by characters within the show.
The dedicated t-shirts are being sold to raise awareness for bowel cancer as the storyline continues to grip viewers on air.
Alongside the t-shirts that feature on the show, fitted jumpers, oversized jumpers, unisex hoodies, relaxed hoodies and tote bags will also be available.
Speaking about the upcoming collaboration, Jennifer gushed: "I’m really pleased that within the storyline, as well as raising vital awareness, we are able to support Stand Up To Cancer.
"I think that the statement of the t-shirts sum up everything about Mercedes and how she has approached her treatment for bowel cancer – like she does everything in her life – bold and in her own way."
What are the red flag warning signs of bowel cancer?
IT'S the fourth most common cancer in the UK, the second deadliest - yet bowel cancer can be cured, if you catch it early enough.
While screening is one way of ensuring early diagnosis, there are things everyone can do to reduce their risk of the deadly disease.
Being aware of the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer, spotting any changes and checking with your GP can prove a life-saver.
If you notice any of the signs, don't be embarrassed and don't ignore them. Doctors are used to seeing lots of patients with bowel problems.
The five red-flag symptoms of bowel cancer include:
- Bleeding from the back passage, or blood in your poo
- A change in your normal toilet habits - going more frequently for example
- Pain or a lump in your tummy
- Extreme tiredness
- Losing weight
Tumours in the bowel typically bleed, which can cause a shortage of red blood cells, known as anaemia. It can cause tiredness and sometimes breathlessness.
In some cases bowel cancer can block the bowel, this is known as a bowel obstruction.
Other signs include:
- Gripping pains in the abdomen
- Feeling bloated
- Constipation and being unable to pass wind
- Being sick
- Feeling like you need to strain - like doing a number two - but after you've been to the loo
While these are all signs to watch out for, experts warn the most serious is noticing blood in your stools.
But, they warn it can prove tricky for doctors to diagnose the disease, because in most cases these symptoms will be a sign of a less serious disease.
Hollyoaks continues on E4 and is available to watch back on demand and on YouTube.