Emmerdale fans ‘completely broken’ over Cain twist in ‘best episode of the year’
Emmerdale’s Cain Dingle received heartbreaking news during Wednesday’s emotional episode
Emmerdale fans have been left feeling “completely broken” over a Cain Dingle twist, in what they’re describing as the “best episode of the year”.
ITV soap viewers will remember that Cain (Jeff Hordley) was shot in the Corriedale crossover last month. Later, at the hospital, the Dales legend learned that doctors had found something abnormal in one of his tests, so they were going to investigate further with a biopsy.Just hours after his wife, Moira (Natalie J Robb) was wrongly arrested for the murders of Celia Daniels (Jaye Griffiths) and Anya Berisha (Alia Al-Shabibi), Cain headed to the hospital to receive his test results.
During Wednesday’s (February 4) episode, which is now available to stream on ITVX, the consultant, Ms Rhodes (Lucy Lowe), revealed the devastating news that Cain has aggressive, yet localised, prostate cancer. The doctor suggested that Cain undergo a radical prostatectomy, before listing the potential side effects.
Overwhelmed by the diagnosis and the prospect of surgery, Cain quickly left the appointment and returned to the village, struggling to process what he had just learned.
Cain Dingle has been diagnosed with cancer(Image: ITV)
His denial and anger soon caused him to clash with his loved ones, including his brother Sam (James Hooton) and granddaughter Sarah Sugden (Katie Hill). Cain also choose to ignore a phone call from Moira, who is currently being held in custody.
Cain reached breaking point in the Woolpack after his friend and local GP, Liam Cavanagh (Jonny McPherson), asked if he had received his test results. Cain later sat alone at his father Zak’s (Steve Halliwell) graveside, struggling to cope with his diagnosis.
Sarah soon joined him, with Cain eventually opening up to her about his illness.
“I’m not well. After the crash, at the hospital, something showed up on my scans and they wanted to run more tests. I told myself it was nothing, but I was wrong,” he admitted.
Sarah replied: “Listen, you don’t have to go through this on your own. How many times have you told me that? How many times did [Zak] say that? Listen, we’re family, this is not just about you, alright? We’re in this together from now on. You don’t have to keep it inside anymore.”
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Cain confided in his granddaughter Sarah(Image: ITV)
Cain then revealed: “I’ve got cancer. Were you scared? Because I know I am,” before tearfully embracing his granddaughter.
The episode has resonated with ITV viewers, particularly as it coincides with World Cancer Day. Many have shared their emotional reactions on various social media platforms, with one person writing on X (formerly Twitter): “I’m a mess… completely broken… tears and snot everywhere… this Cain and cancer story is destroying me.”
Another added: “Wow. No words. What an episode. Jeff Hordley was absolutely INCREDIBLE. I am sobbing. A very real, raw and honest representation of a cancer diagnosis,” while a third said: “Today’s #Emmerdale episode was devastating, Jeff was amazing. Sobbing already and it’s only the beginning of this storyline.”
Someone else wrote on a Facebook fan page: “Definitely the best episode of the year so far.”
Another viewer similarly shared: “I’m a blubbering mess. People moan about silly storylines in soaps and how they’re all doom and gloom, but if Cain’s diagnosis can save just one man’s life, then that’s got to be a good thing.”