Radiotherapy UK’s Ambassadors have written a letter in praise of ITV Emmerdale’s recent brain tumour plotline.
After seeing the accurate portrayal of radiotherapy treatment for the character of Moira, radiotherapy professionals were pleased to notice it had had a positive effect on patients undergoing radiotherapy treatment.
The national soap, which has run for more than 50 years, consulted with Therapeutic Radiographer Alex Britton, who now works for MIS Healthcare, with Alex making a cameo on the show. It also worked closely with The Brain Tumour Charity, to make sure each detail was accurate. Ambassadors said that the storyline has helped their patients share some of what they are going through with friends and family.
Moira has been diagnosed with a meningioma brain tumour, and was shown having a thermoplastic mask fitted to help with her radiotherapy treatment. Her storyline, which included symptoms of memory loss and angry outbursts, has been followed by 4million viewers.
Emmerdale letter praises accurate representation of radiotherapy
To the whole team at Emmerdale
As radiotherapy professionals and Ambassadors for the charity Radiotherapy UK, we wanted to write with our heartfelt thanks for the way you have tackled Moira’s brain tumour storyline and the portrayal of her radiotherapy treatment.
Your research, terminology and scripting were highly accurate and we know you took great efforts to consult with Alex Britton from the profession, who also made a came
o. It was a great moment for all of us to watch this unfold and see our treatment in the spotlight.
We have had so many patients tell us this was truly helpful: giving them a welcome chance to share what they are going through with their friends and families. It helps so many people see that they are not forgotten and to feel that their experiences matter.
Radiotherapy professionals are essential in tackling cancer (and non cancerous tumours like Moira’s which have such an impact) , yet our work often goes unnoticed compared to other healthcare roles. By accurately portraying us, Emmerdale has helped the public appreciate the critical role we play in patient care. It can also inspire interest and respect for the profession, potentially encouraging future generations to consider careers in this rewarding field, as we often struggle to recruit to this truly amazing profession.
To be called by our proper Allied Health Professionals’ title of Therapeutic Radiographers on a national and much-loved soap with a huge number of viewers has really raised our profile and helped people understand what we do and why.
Your storytelling has the power to inform and influence, and we recognise the important part that you have played in portraying this life-saving treatment accurately and authentically. We look forward to seeing how this storyline develops and the positive impact it will have on public understanding of radiotherapy treatment.
So thank you for giving us all a great Christmas present and start to 2025. We wish you all (and Moira in particular) the best for the coming year.
Yours sincerely,
Radiotherapy UK Ambassadors’ Network
