Emmerdale's Matthew Wolfenden opens up about worries cancer storyline could mean for his character
His character David Metcalfe has testicular cancer
Emmerdale's Matthew Wolfenden has admitted he was concerned his character David Metcalfe could get killed off after being diagnosed with testicular cancer.
Speaking to the Mirror Online he admitted that he was relieved to find out that there’s a high survival rate with the disease.
(Credit: ITV Pictures)
“It did go through my mind that they could kill me off. But I was assured right from the start that these storylines generally need a positive outcome.”
However his character will have to overcome a few more hurdles before he’s well again.
Jacob, David’s girlfriend’s teen son, becomes concerned that he'llwill die from an infection which irritates David.
The actor explained that David’s reaction fits in with research they’ve done about the illness. “From the research we did, we found out that one of the side effects of chemotherapy is that it can make people angry. Your personality can change considerably."
The dad of two has been praised by viewers for the role which he’s shaved his whole body for.
Testicular cancer is quite uncommon, mostly affecting men between the age of 15 to 49. According to Cancer Research UK 2300 men in the U.K are diagnosed every year.
The NHS says that there’s more than a 96% chance men will be completely cured if the cancer is caught early and compared to other cancers, it’s quite rare for a man to die from it.
For more information visit the NHS website or visit the Cancer Research UK website.
See David's story unfold on weeknights at 7pm.