Cold Feet’s bold feat
ITV drama’s ‘sensitive’ cancer episode hailed
AS she sat at her vanity mirror and removed her wig to reveal the thinning hair caused by her character’s chemotherapy, Fay Ripley reduced many fans of Cold Feet to tears.
Viewers took to social media in their droves to praise the actress’s emotional portrayal of Jenny Gifford’s confrontation with her cancer diagnosis.
And now charities have praised the long-running ITV drama for its ‘realistic’ and ‘sensitive’ treatment of the subject.
Jenny received her shock diagnosis at the end of series eight. Monday’s season nine opener saw her dealing with the unwelcome news – culminating in the powerful mirror scene.
Charities said the storyline would greatly help improve understanding of cancer.
Lynda Thomas, of Macmillan Cancer Support, said: ‘Storylines like this play a vital role in raising awareness about cancer’s signs and symptoms, and the impact a cancer diagnosis and treatment can have on someone and their loved ones’ lives.’
Cancer Research UK’s Martin Ledwick said: ‘Accurate and sensitive portrayals of cancer in television dramas can help to take some of the fear and mystery out of the disease. It can help people who are living with cancer talk about what they’re experiencing.’
Viewers praised the show for its realism. Alice Isbell wrote on Twitter: ‘Really pleased Cold Feet didn’t go with a fully bald head and instead reflected the reality for many doing chemo. Brilliant performance from Fay Ripley.’
Robyn said: ‘From a family on the rocky road that is the cancer journey a huge thank you to Fay Ripley and Cold Feet for showing the complex reality we are living with.’