EastEnders' favourite Jean Slater is to battle ovarian cancer in a storyline described by the BBC as "one of her toughest times yet".
The soap has been working with UK charity Macmillan Cancer Support, and actress Gillian Wright has spoken of the importance of bringing her character's story to the screen in the correct way in the coming weeks.
"It's an honour and a huge responsibility to be taking on such an enormous issue, affecting so many women and their families," said Wright.
"I'm aware of the impact such stories can have. It's important we treat the issue of cancer diagnosis and treatment with huge sensitivity, dignity and respect.
"I hope the storyline helps awareness of the disease and is supportive to those that are affected."
The soap's senior executive producer, Kate Oates, said: "Jean's diagnosis will impact every aspect of her life, including her family, her friendship groups and her mental health, and I know an actor of Gillian's calibre will approach the story with great truth and depth.
"The Slaters are an amazing ensemble family, full of complex and well-drawn characters, and this story is a completely fresh subject for them to tackle. I know they'll do it justice and in turn raise awareness of such an important issue that affects so many people."
Georgina Wiley, treatment and recovery adviser at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: "Being diagnosed with cancer can turn someone's whole world upside down and stories like Jean's can genuinely save and improve lives.
"It's been a privilege to work with EastEnders to ensure the plot and the language used in the scripts are a true reflection of the impact that cancer can have."
EastEnders airs on RTÉ One and BBC One on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
