15 August 2023 , 10:08
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One of EastEnders' most loved characters is set to undergo one of the toughest periods of his life as he's diagnosed with prostate cancer. In an emotional storyline that hopes to raise awareness, Alfie Moon will be diagnosed with the illness in scenes that are sure to tug at the heartstrings.
The former pub landlord, played by Shane Richie, will receive the difficult news after consulting with medics over stomach pains. Alfie, 59, initially believes it was his son Tommy who caused the physical aches, after the troublesome teenager punched him in the torso during a heated argument on last night's episode.
EastEnders has teamed up with Macmillan Cancer Support and Prostate Cancer UK to ensure the subject matter is handled "sensitively" and "accurately". Prostate cancer is the most male cancer, with 1 in every 8 men diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime.
"Shane [Richie] has thoughtfully portrayed the realities of being diagnosed with prostate cancer with grace and understanding," said executive producer of the BBC One soap, Chris Clenshaw. "We hope that this storyline resonates with the audience, and that we represent it as sensitively, and as accurately as possible."
Alfie in the waiting room with Phil Mitchell after being punched in the stomach (BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)EastEnders fans took to Twitter to share their reaction to Alfie's upcoming battle, after he was Monday's episode saw him having a blow-up arguments with Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) and his adopted son Tommy Moon (Sonny Kendall). "I know Shane will do wonders with this storyline," one person wrote, while another said, "Such an important storyline to raise awareness about, particularly in men Alfie’s age."
EastEnders' Jake Wood's snap of son has fans pointing out the pair's likeness
Others feared, however, that Alfie's diagnosis of prostate cancer could put the lovable character's future in Walford at risk.
"Please don’t kill him off!" one person begged, while another said writers "better not" make the dad-of-four's illness terminal.
Some eagle-eyed viewers even predicted that Alfie was about to receive some grave news at the hospital, noting the worrying way in which he clutched his stomach in the waiting room. "I wonder if he has stomach cancer or a heart condition?" one person speculated.
Lola Pearce died of a brain tumour earlier this year (BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)With prostate cancer causing around 12,000 deaths in the UK every year, it's crucial to be aware of its early warning signs. Symptoms include difficulty starting urination, as well as a weak or interrupted stream of urine. Struggle to empty bladder completely and frequent urination, especially at night, is another cause for concern. Burning or pain while urinating, as well as a blood in the urine or semen, are also symptoms. A new onset of erectile dysfunction is another sign to look out for.
Alfie's prostate cancer storyline comes just a few months after the death of EastEnders' Lola Pearce after being diagnosed with a brain tumour in October 2022. Fans were shocked to see the BBC soap cover another serious illness so soon after the 26-year-old's passing, with many taking to social media to share their reactions.
"Lola has just died from cancer they could’ve waited a bit till they did another cancer storyline," one person objected. Another viewer disagreed with the timing of the storyline, however, writing, "People complaining that alfie's [sic] cancer is way too soon after lola's as if cancer waits patiently to develop in real life."
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.