EastEnders' Alfie Moon to get cancer diagnosis in 'authentic story'

EastEnders' character Alfie Moon will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, in an "authentic story" that mirrors the struggles faced by real cancer patients. Actor Shane Richie will take on the storyline, which has been written with the help of Prostate Cancer UK and Macmillan Cancer Support.

Before filming the first of the scenes for the new storyline, Richie was introduced to one of Prostate Cancer UK's supporters who was diagnosed with the disease. The charity said it helped gave the actor the "opportunity to understand what it’s like to experience the disease first-hand".

The BBC said the storyline will “follow Alfie and those around him as he discovers and comes to terms with his diagnosis”. EastEnders executive producer Chris Clenshaw previously said there will be a "tough road ahead" for Alfie.

READ MORE: Coronation Street fans rumble who is next on Stephen Reid's 'hit list' as own exit 'sealed'

On Monday (August 14), Mr Clenshaw said: “When we first embarked on this storyline we knew it was imperative that we worked alongside Prostate Cancer UK and Macmillan Cancer Support to take on and accurately portray such an emotional and pivotal storyline for Alfie, and one that many viewers may relate to.

“Shane (Richie) has thoughtfully portrayed the realities of being diagnosed with prostate cancer with grace and understanding. We hope that this storyline resonates with the audience, and that we represent it as sensitively, and as accurately, as possible.”

To make sure that the storyline is portrayed accurately, the BBC is working with experts from Prostate Cancer UK and Macmillan Cancer Support. Amy Rylance, head of improving care at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “It’s been a pleasure working alongside EastEnders on their