Jean runs away from the Square
SHE FLEES WALFORD AFTER HER FAMILY DISCOVERS HER CANCER SECRET…
The Slaters mount a frantic search for Jean this week, after Stacey’s mother disappears into the night!
The stress and worry of knowing that she could have cancer becomes too much for poor Jean to handle, just as her loved ones realise she has been keeping a heartbreaking secret from them…
“Jean doesn’t know herself whether she has cancer or not yet – only that she has a lump in her abdomen that her doctor is keen to investigate with further tests,” says our Walford insider. “She doesn’t want to worry her family, but it’s the support of those closest to her that she needs more than ever. Jean being Jean, she isn’t viewing the situation that way, though, and when the truth is out, she panics.”
At the start of the week, Jean’s health fears are playing on her mind as she quizzes Sonia on how her mum Carol handled it when she was diagnosed with breast cancer a few years ago. Sonia’s words strike a chord with Jean, prompting her to throw away all the unhealthy food at home – just as Stacey begins to notice that her mum is clearly on edge about something.
Demanding to know what is going on, Stacey urges Jean to see the doctor again, before taking control and booking an appointment. Jean is terrified that her daughter will soon learn the truth, so she refuses to let Stacey come into the consulting room, and sneaks off before the GP has the chance to talk with her.
However, Jean’s hopes of burying her secret are quickly dashed back at No 31, when Kat stumbles across a hospital appointment letter – and realises that Jean could have cancer.
Kat is horrified that Jean has been dealing with this on her own!”
“Naturally, Kat is horrified that Jean has been dealing with this on her own, and attempts to comfort her,” reports our insider. “All Jean cares about, though, is that Kat helps to keep her secret from Stacey. Frankly, there is more chance of Kat becoming a nun – of course, she has no choice but to share what she knows with Stacey.”
After Kat breaks the news to her relative, Stacey rushes off to find her mum, and tracks her down to the Vic. Stacey insists that Jean go for tests straight away, leading Kat to make a suggestion that would enable Jean to be fast-tracked.
Meanwhile, the fuss of everyone knowing her business causes Jean to freak out. With the likes of Shirley asking why she kept the news to herself – and Kat and Stacey busily planning what she should do next – it all becomes terribly overwhelming for Jean, and that’s when she packs a bag and heads for the station.
After the Slaters realise Jean is missing, Stacey phones the police and Martin rallies the locals for a search mission. Can they find Jean and convince her to let them help? Or will the frightened woman resolve to face her demons alone?