HEARTBREAKING CALL: Emmerdale’s Belle Dingle Star Took a Month Off After Devastating On-Set Moment Was REVEALED
Emmerdale star Eden Taylor-Draper previously shared the heartbreaking reason she had to take a month off from working on the ITV soap
Eden Taylor-Draper, known for her role in Emmerdale, has experienced personal heartache away from the soap, including her sister’s fight against cancer.
The actress rose to prominence portraying Belle Dingle on the ITV programme. Eden joined the cast at the tender age of eight and has since become a cherished member of the team.
Over the years, she’s been part of numerous dramatic storylines, including last year’s poignant domestic abuse plot.
However, off-screen, Eden’s sister, Francesca Taylor-Draper, was tragically diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia at the age of 14.
Both Eden and Francesca, who is now in remission, have openly discussed the latter’s battle with cancer, including her chemotherapy treatment, reports the Daily Star.
Eden’s sister cancer diagnosis
Eden was profoundly shocked when her younger sister Francesca was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia at just 14 years old. This type of cancer, which affects white blood cells, is known to progress “quickly and aggressively”, necessitating immediate treatment, according to the NHS.
In 2021, a year after receiving the all-clear, the sisters appeared on ITV’s Lorraine to discuss their ordeal. Francesca revealed: “At the time of my diagnosis, my cancer cells were at 97 percent, so there were only three percent of my blood cells classed as healthy.”
She then described her symptoms: “I definitely did feel very tired and I lost quite a bit of weight. I was having really bad leg pains, excruciating, to the point where I couldn’t walk and I was having to leave school earlier.
“I also had this massive rash on my legs, which was when the doctors started thinking it could be something more serious.”
Francesca was subsequently diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, with Francesca revealing: “It was a massive shock. I don’t think any of us expected it.”
The pair have spoke about it over the years (Image: swedentd/Instagram)
Eden’s shock call on set
Eden was filming at the Emmerdale studios when she received the devastating call about her sister’s cancer diagnosis. Speaking on Lorraine, Eden said: “They [the Emmerdale team] were amazing.
“We were on tea break and they just said, ‘Go, anything you need we’re here.’ I was just in shock. They gave me a month off, so while Ches was in intensive chemo, I could be there. They’re amazing.”
Eden also reflected on her sister’s cancer battle: “It was so tough to see someone you love so much and so tiny go through all of that and as much as you’re there supporting them, you can’t fix it and you can’t help.”
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She is five years cancer-free (Image: Instagram Story)
Eden’s sister marks major milestone
Recently, Eden’s sister reached a significant milestone in her cancer journey. She announced in September that she was five years cancer-free.
Francesca shared on her Instagram Story at the time: “From 97% of my blood being cancerous, undergoing 2 years of chemotherapy to now, 5 years cancer free!” She went on to say: “I was treated on a @teenage_cancer ward. Teenage Cancer Trust is a charity that receives no government funding.
“The difference they make for all young people going through cancer treatment is incredible, but it is only possible with the generosity of the public. If you can donate, please do. I feel the benefits of their impact every single day.”
Eden also reposted Francesca’s message on her own Instagram Story, expressing: “My beautiful sister. So proud and so grateful @teenage_cancer.”
Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 and ITVX at 7.30pm
