Hollyoaks
We’re thrilled to be working with Channel 4's flagship drama, Hollyoaks, on their new story line, which follows leading character Mercedes McQueen after she receives a bowel cancer diagnosis.
The story follows mum of two and long-running character, Mercedes, being supported by family and friends as she undergoes treatment.
If you, or a loved one, has recieved a bowel cancer diagnosis, we're here for you. We have a variety of free to access services and support materials, learn more about how we can support you.
Mercedes McQueen's bowel cancer diagnosis
After a one-year time jump, we join Mercedes six months after her diagnosis. She has already had surgery to fit a stoma and colostomy bag and chemotherapy after the discovery of a secondary tumour. In the first episode we see Mercedes deal with a variety of emotions, which may be familiar to anyone who has had a bowel cancer diagnosis. This includes:
- The side effects of chemotherapy including the loss of her hair
- The anxiety of waiting for test results
- The impact of a bowel cancer diagnosis on loved ones
To help shape Mercedes' story and make it as realistic as possible, we’ve worked closely with Hollyoaks throughout the writing process. This includes sharing stories from our community and expertise from within the charity to give an accurate representation of what someone may experience when coping with a bowel cancer diagnosis.
Bowel Cancer UK’s Clinical Lead, Claire Coughlin said: “While we have to remember this is first and foremost a drama, the producers of Hollyoaks are still keen to reflect the reality of living with bowel cancer. We have been delighted to work with them on this and hope the storyline raises awareness of the disease.”
What can we expect to see from this story line?
In the coming months we'll be with Mercedes as she continues to undergo treatment. We'll see how her bowel cancer diagnosis impacts her physically and emotionally, as well as the effects the disease has on her friends, family and loved ones and how they support her.
We'll also learn how her diagnosis came about and how we can all be vigilant with spotting the symptoms of bowel cancer.
You can follow Mercedes' story and stream Hollyoaks on C4.com at 7am or live on E4 Mon-Weds at 7pm. You can also watch full episodes on the Hollyoaks YouTube channel.
Jennifer Metcalfe's personal connection with bowel cancer
Jennifer Metcalfe, who plays Mercedes McQueen, has her own personal connection to bowel cancer after losing her dad to the disease aged just 15.
She said: “This story is incredibly important to me. When I was aged 15 I lost my dad to bowel cancer and it has impacted my life hugely. I have never taken my own health for granted, so when we discussed the storyline I jumped at the chance to do anything that might encourage conversation.
“Mercedes deals with it in her own way, she’s never felt so vulnerable. We’ve never seen that side of her and if people are talking about that then hopefully it becomes talking about their own health. I have been grateful to be guided by Bowel Cancer UK and glad they can offer help and support to anyone interested in the storyline or who wants to know more about how to spot the symptoms and what best to do if you are worried.”
A visit to the set
In Janaury 2025, we were kindly invited to visit the Hollyoaks set and to talk more to the cast and crew about bowel cancer. We were joined on our visit by Andrea, who has first hand knowledge about what it’s like to live with bowel cancer.
Andrea chatted with Jennifer Metcalfe, who plays Mercedes, about her journey and what it meant to her to see Mercedes’ journey play out. In particular the two chatted about the scene where Mercedes reveals to the audience that she has a stoma and dances around her bedroom. Jen spoke about how important it was to her to get this scene right for the bowel cancer community and Andrea shared how powerful it was for her to see this.
Providing real life stories, like Andrea's, have been a key part of how we've supported Hollyoaks' researchers and scriptwriters. With these personal experiences helping them to understand what it's like living with bowel cancer.
Support for you
Getting a diagnosis of bowel cancer can be confusing and difficult. It can be hard to know what to do next or where to find support.
We're here to provide information and support for you and your loved ones.
- Learn more about how we can support you following a bowel cancer diagnosis
- Access our support for friends, family and loved ones
- Find out about the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer