Hollyoaks storyline 'devastating but important'

Hollyoaks storyline 'devastating but important'39 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleLauren HirstNorth WestLime PicturesAlex Fletcher has played the role of Diane Hutchinson since 2010Spoiler warning: This article reveals details from recent episodes of Hollyoaks.With more than 75% of women with ovarian cancer being diagnosed at an advanced stage, actress Alex Fletcher knows how important her final storyline in Hollyoaks will be for so many.In the Channel 4 soap, mum-of-four Diane Hutchinson was given the heartbreaking news that she has stage four ovarian cancer. "I think everybody has been affected by cancer unfortunately in one way or another," said the actress, who is set to leave the show this year. "You've felt that on set so it's been an important [storyline] to tell and get right."The production team have worked closely with Ovarian Cancer Action to ensure it reflects the realities faced by women living with the disease."It's a storyline that is as devastating as it is important," said Marie-Claire Platt, director of research and policy at the charity."Bringing those realities to screen with care, accuracy and humanity, has the potential to reach people in a way that few awareness campaigns ever could."In a bid to raise awareness, Alex and fellow actress Jessica Fox spoke with two women who have experienced ovarian cancer along with Marie-Claire.In the short documentary, titled Know The Signs. Trust The Signs, they discuss the storyline, the stigmas and symptoms.Lime PicturesJessica Fox and Alex Fletcher play friends on the popular soap Natasha Reynolds, from Sheffield, visited the GP once a month for a year and a half before she was officially diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Like 40% of women with ovarian cancer, her symptoms became so unbearably painful, she was forced to go to A&E for help."All I could think was – surely, I'm too young for that? I'm only 22,"...