EastEnders announces devastating cancer diagnosis for Alfie in 'pivotal' plot

14 August 2023 , 19:00

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EastEnders' Alfie Moon is set to be diagnosed with prostate cancer (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

EastEnders fan favourite Alfie Moon is to be rocked with a major health diagnosis in the coming weeks.

The character played by Shane Richie is known for his bursts of energy and for being there for people to lean on in their times of need. But he's set to take on his biggest storyline to date in scenes which are set to air in several weeks. Alfie has been at the centre of some huge storylines, including a robbery gone wrong and most recently disclosed to Freddie Slater who his real dad was after years of the teen not knowing.

Now, he's set to be diagnosed with prostate cancer and the BBC has been working alongside Prostate Cancer UK and Macmillan Cancer Support to make sure the story is "authentic". Before taking on the storyline which will "follow Alfie and those around him as he discovers and comes to terms with his diagnosis," Alfie met with Prostate Cancer UK's supporters who have been affected by the disease.

Actor Shane Richie has been working alongside Prostate Cancer UK and Macmillan Cancer Support (BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

Chris Clenshaw, EastEnders' executive producer said that Alfie will have a "tough road ahead" after he was given the "opportunity to understand what it’s like to experience the disease first-hand". He 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 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."

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Meanwhile, the Head of improving care at Prostate Cancer UK, Amy Rylance added: "It's been a pleasure working alongside EastEnders on their prostate cancer storyline, and we salute the BBC for approaching Prostate Cancer UK to ensure the narrative is as close to real life as possible. Every man's experience of prostate cancer is unique, and it's so important for viewers to be given accurate information about the disease.

Alfie went to the hospital with Phil Mitchell after suffering pains (BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

"It's been a privilege to provide insight into Alfie Moon's journey with prostate cancer, ensuring an authentic story is told every step of the way. Introducing Shane to one of our supporters affected by prostate cancer gave him the opportunity to understand what it's like to experience the disease first-hand."

Dany Bell, Macmillan Cancer Support's strategic advisor commented: "Storylines like Alfie's play a vital role in helping to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer and the impact a cancer diagnosis can have on individuals and their families. We also know that men can often find it difficult to talk about cancer, to protect the people around them, or simply wanting to stay strong. We hope that seeing a character like Alfie go through this experience will help open up these vital conversations and highlight the array of support that's out there."

Earlier tonight on EastEnders, viewers were left stunned as Tommy Moon turned violent towards his step-dad. After Freddie revealed that Tommy had told him who his real dad was, the teen ran out of the bookies leaving Alfie worried. However, after finding him at the park with a group of friends with a bottle of vodka, he was left furious and dragged him home. But the whole incident was filmed by Tommy's peers filmed the ordeal and later posted it on social media.

As Tommy became increasingly annoyed as Alfie tried to take his phone off of him, he lashed out and punched him in the abdomen, leaving him breathless before Tommy ran out of the house. After Phil catches Alfie grimacing in pain, he orders him to go to the hospital to get checked out.

EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Daniel Bird