Emmerdale's Vanessa Woodfield confides in her sister Tracy Metcalfe next week after making plans for the possibility that she could die.
Vanessa was recently diagnosed with bowel cancer and is about to begin her treatment by going in for surgery.
On the eve of the operation next week, Vanessa is determined to head into work as usual. However, as she struggles with abdominal pain, viewers will be left to wonder whether she's pushing herself too hard.
The following day, Vanessa arrives at the hospital and takes a private moment to speak to Tracy.
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Vanessa explains that she has already prepared a last will and testament, wanting to have things in place for her loved ones in case the worst happens.
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Tracy is taken aback by the news, wanting Vanessa's attitude to be as positive as possible. However, although Vanessa still has every chance of making a full recovery, she is taking a pragmatic approach as she wants to make sure that those she cares about will be provided for if there's a tragic outcome.
After Vanessa is taken off for surgery, her revelation continues to weigh heavily on Tracy's mind. Will she betray Vanessa's confidence by sharing the news?
Emmerdale has been consulting with Bowel Cancer UK while working on Vanessa's storyline.
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Michelle Hardwick, who plays Vanessa, recently said: "This is such a challenging storyline, but we've been working closely with Bowel Cancer UK, who have been enormously helpful to me in researching Vanessa's symptoms and treatment.
"I hope to do Vanessa's story justice. I was actually really shocked to learn that bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK and the second biggest cancer killer, but diagnosed early is treatable."
Amy Walsh, who plays Tracy, has also spoken about the real-life emotions felt by the cast while filming these scenes.
She said: "Even in the line run, Michelle will be in tears and I am too because I can't bear seeing her cry.
"The story we're telling is so important and we're flagging the symptoms to look for with this type of cancer. I do feel proud every day that this could save somebody's life, just from viewers hearing what alerted Vanessa to finding out she had bowel cancer."
Emmerdale airs these scenes on Wednesday, March 18 at 7pm on ITV.
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