Corrie veteran in cancer plot

Spoiler alert! A long-running character in Coronation Street...

09:46 17 September 2009

In a shocking forthcoming storyline, veteran Corrie character Sally Webster (Sally Whittaker) is to be diagnosed with cancer.

This devastating news affects her husband Kevin's affair with his young mistress Molly, who he has been sneaking off to hotels with. She, too, is in a relationship with someone else.

The dramatic cancer plot will see Kevin (Michael Le Vell) have to choose between his wife and his mistress (played by Vicky Binns).

Corrie producers have leaked the plotline early so that they can work hand-in-hand with a panel of breast cancer experts and charities more openly to ensure that Sally's story is portrayed as realistic as possible.

Kevin's life is plunged into chaos when Sally breaks the news that she has found a lump on her breast and has been diagnosed with the disease.

Sally kept the discovery a secret until the doctors informed her of the biopsy results.

What is unclear is how Kevin will deal with his guilt, as he is compelled to choose between supporting his wife and family through the hard times ahead or continue to escape from reality with Molly.

Speaking of the plot, Whittaker said: "I do know women who have suffered or are suffering from breast cancer. For the last year, I have been fundraising for breast cancer charities and am a long-standing patron for The Genesis Appeal.

"So, when I was told about this storyline I was determined to do it justice for all the women out there who are going through what Sally is.

"A few years ago, I found a lump and was sent to get it checked out straight away. I was lucky that it proved to be nothing but the time spent waiting to find out the results was agonising."

A Coronation Street spokesperson added: "Breast cancer is a disease which affects so many women and their families. We are keen to ensure that the storyline accurately reflects the many problems and issues faced by breast cancer sufferers."

Sally is set to receive the life-changing news in December.