COLLABORATING WITH HOLLYOAKS TO SHINE A LIGHT ON OVARIAN CANCER
In upcoming episodes of Hollyoaks, viewers will watch longstanding character Diane Hutchinson face a life-changing ovarian cancer diagnosis.
It’s a storyline that is as devastating as it is important - and one that has been developed in close collaboration with Ovarian Cancer Action, to ensure it reflects the realities faced by women living with the disease.
At Ovarian Cancer Action, we know how powerful television storytelling can be. More than 75% of women with ovarian cancer are diagnosed at an advanced stage, often because symptoms are vague, misunderstood or overlooked. 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.
When the Hollyoaks team first approached us about Diane’s storyline, we were clear that what mattered most was that this story had to be accurate, responsible and rooted in real experiences. From the very beginning, the production team demonstrated a commitment to getting it right.
Working together from script to screen
Our team worked closely with Hollyoaks throughout the entire writing process, advising on scripts across the full length of the storyline. We met regularly with the show’s scriptwriters and producers, offering insight into the realities of an ovarian cancer diagnosis, sharing patient experiences, and discussing how ovarian cancer, particularly advanced and terminal disease, affects not only the individual but the people who love them.
The Hollyoaks team were consistently open, thoughtful, and deeply engaged, taking time to understand the nuances of the disease and the emotional weight families navigate when facing a terminal diagnosis. Their dedication to portraying this story with grace, sensitivity and authenticity has been clear at every stage.
Bringing real experience into the heart of the story
A key part of our work involved meeting with actress Alex Fletcher, who plays Diane. Together, we talked through the realities faced by women with advanced ovarian cancer.
Alex approached the role with immense care, wanting to ensure Diane’s experience felt honest and recognisable to those who have lived it themselves.
Speaking about the storyline, she has shared how close to home it feels, having supported a close family member through cancer treatment, and how she hopes the story encourages people to prioritise their health.
“As busy women, we overlook ourselves and we just get on with it. If anything comes from the storyline, I just hope that it does raise awareness."
A family story, not just a diagnosis
Diane’s diagnosis is not something she faces alone.
The storyline explores how the Hutchinson family, including her husband Tony and their teenage children, begin to process the news and cope with what lies ahead. It is a reminder that ovarian cancer does not just affect one person. A diagnosis can reshape families and relationships.
Why partnerships like this matter
Working with the Hollyoaks team has once again shown us the power of partnership.
By combining our expertise in ovarian cancer with their ability to tell emotional stories, we can reach audiences who may never actively seek out health information, but who will see themselves, their friends or their families reflected on screen.
“Our hope is that this powerful storyline prompts more women to recognise the symptoms and be empowered to seek help sooner.”
Through this collaboration, millions of viewers will be exposed to conversations about ovarian cancer, including what it looks like, how it’s diagnosed, and why earlier detection matters so urgently. These are conversations that save lives.
Together with Hollyoaks, we are not just telling a story. We are breaking silence, challenging misconceptions, and helping ensure that no woman feels alone or unheard when it comes to ovarian cancer.
