Hollyoaks reveals massive new Mercedes storyline

Holly’s Oaks there are spoilers below.

Holly’s Oaks begins the new, moving story of Mercedes McQueen, who is diagnosed with colon cancer.

Tonight’s (September 16) episode, which is now available on Channel 4’s streaming service and will later air on E4, is the first episode after the one-year time jump.

One new story shows Mercedes months after her diagnosis. She has undergone surgery to fit a stoma and colostomy bag and is undergoing chemotherapy.

Although in an early scene Mercedes tells Leela Lomax that she hopes her chemotherapy is coming to an end, she soon learns that doctors have detected a secondary tumor.

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The Channel 4 series is working with Bowel Cancer UK to ensure the story is presented in a sensitive and accurate way.

One of the aims is to show that although bowel cancer is mainly diagnosed in people over the age of 50, it can also affect younger people. It is also to show how important it is to get an early diagnosis.

“This story is incredibly important to me,” said Jennifer Metcalfe, who plays Mercedes. “When I was 15, I lost my dad to colon cancer and it had a huge impact on my life.

“I’ve never taken my health for granted, so when we started discussing the storyline, I jumped at the opportunity to do something that might encourage conversation.

“Mercedes is dealing with it in her own way, she’s never felt so vulnerable. We’ve never seen this side of her and if people are talking about it, hopefully it will start to affect their own health.

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“I am grateful to have Bowel Cancer UK guiding me and am pleased that they can offer help and support to anyone interested in the storyline or wanting to find out more about how to recognise the symptoms and what best to do if you are worried.”

Holly’s OaksExecutive producer Hannah Cheers added: “The advice and guidance from Bowel Cancer UK has been invaluable.

“Over the coming months, we will follow Mercedes as she continues her treatment and see what impact it will have on her physically and emotionally, as well as on her friends and family.

“We will also learn how she came to be diagnosed and how we can be vigilant about spotting symptoms. We know that portrayals on television increase awareness and the number of people seeking advice and we are very hopeful that this story will play a part in that.”

According to Cancer Research UK, 9 out of 10 people survive for 5 years or longer if bowel cancer is detected at an early stage.

Bowel Cancer UK Chief Executive, Genevieve Edwards, added: “We are delighted to be working with Holly’s Oaks in this important and brave story.

“Mercedes McQueen is one of the most recognizable characters on the show and her story of bowel cancer will raise awareness of early diagnosis and the realities of living with the disease in a powerful and accessible way.”

Edwards added that the goal of the storyline is to “highlight the importance of early diagnosis and helping to save lives as Mercedes’ story unfolds…

“Remember – most people experiencing symptoms will not turn out to have bowel cancer, but getting tested is crucial because the earlier bowel cancer is detected, the more likely it is to be curable.”

Holly’s Oaks worked with Bowel Cancer UK on the Mercedes story. Further information can be obtained from the NHS website, Macmillan Cancer Support or Cancer Research UK.

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Holly’s Oaks is broadcast from Monday to Wednesday Channel 4 streaming premiere at 7am, followed by E4 broadcast the same night at 7pm. Full episodes are also made available on YouTube a week after their release on Channel 4.

Selected omnibus sections are available via Prime Video.

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