Emmerdale fans were left devastated after a fan favoruite was diagnosed with a serious condition in Monday’s ITV crossover episode with Coronation Street

Emmerdale has introduced an unexpected health storyline for character Cain Dingle.

Cain, played by Jeff Hordley, has been a fixture on the ITV soap for a quarter of a century. The mechanic has been at the heart of many significant storylines over the years and has taken up the mantle as head of the Dingle family following the passing of his father, Zak (Steve Halliwell).

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Known as a ladies’ man, Cain has had a romantic entanglement with his cousin, Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins), while navigating a tumultuous relationship with his wife, Moira (Natalie J. Robb).

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In a shocking twist last year, he had an affair with his brother Caleb Miligan’s (William Ash) wife, Ruby (Beth Cordingly), leading to deep regret for both parties and causing a rift in the family.

The tryst occurred in his car garage while Moira was undergoing life-saving surgery after being diagnosed with a type of brain tumour known as a meningioma, reports the Daily Star.

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Adding to his woes, Cain was devastated when he found out that his eldest son, Nate Robinson (Jurell Carter), was killed by local antagonist, John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth).

In his quest for justice, he even left the village and travelled to France to find John and hold him accountable for his son’s murder. However, he returned without any new information about the ex-soldier’s location.

In Monday’s Emmerdale crossover episode with Coronation Street (January 5), Cain was once again thrust into the spotlight as he pursued killer John.

In a dramatic turn of events, John made his return to the village after instigating a major car crash with Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller) as the passenger.

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Cain and Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley), along with Weatherfield’s own Kit Green (Jacob Roberts), attempted to apprehend John, but in the process, Cain was shot by the serial killer.

Following an urgent trip to the hospital for treatment, Cain received an unexpected medical diagnosis – he has a brain mass that is yet to be confirmed as cancerous.

Moira stayed by her husband’s side as they were delivered the distressing news, a poignant contrast to her own experience from the previous year.

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Will Cain be able to overcome his medical diagnosis? Emmerdale fans have been demanding that Cain Dingle not be killed off.

Taking to X, one person wrote: “If Cain ends up dying, my man is gonna beat my sad cause I predicted it #Corriedale.”

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A second stated: “Won’t be able to sleep tonight thinking about whether Cain will be killed off with the big C and is David ok or what!? #Corriedale.”

A third chimed in: “Cain having cancer was a big shock. They better not kill him off. Well, it’s Cain Dingle. He’s made of tough stuff #Corriedale #Emmerdale.”

“WOW!!! Well done cast and crew what a wonderful episode. So so much to unpack! Poor Billy …Please save Cain!! #Corriedale”, urged another.