When Coronation Street’s much-loved character Toyah Battersby is told by doctors that tests have confirmed she has germ cell ovarian cancer, she is understandably left devastated.
A few weeks ago, Toyah – played by Georgia Taylor – collapsed with crippling stomach pains and was rushed to hospital by her sister’s fiance, Nick, whom she has been secretly having an affair with. Initially, Toyah had been told by the consultant she was pregnant, news that came as a huge surprise as she’d previously had a stillborn daughter at the age of 19 and feared she would never have children.
Her delight was, however, short-lived. Days later, Toyah was told her pregnancy result was in fact a false positive caused, potentially, by ovarian cancer, something that happens only very occasionally. In the heart-breaking storyline that has been gripping viewers, Georgia, 44, exclusively reveals today that Toyah’s worst fears will be confirmed during Monday night’s emotional episode.
“To be told you have cancer are the words nobody wants to hear,” says Georgia ahead of tomorrow night’s diagnosis. “It’s particularly awful for Toyah. We have seen her get the news she has always wanted – ‘You are pregnant’ – to then later be told, ‘You have ovarian cancer’. It is so painful for Toyah and she is understandably very upset.”
The actress and the soap’s bosses, together with the help of Ovarian Cancer Action, hope the plot will raise awareness about the cancer that affects more than 7,500 women every year in the UK who are diagnosed with it.
Ovarian cancer is most prevalent in women over 50 but, like Toyah, it can affect younger people too. There are three main types and the one that Toyah has – germ cell – is most common in younger women. It makes up five per cent of ovarian cancers and originates from cells that produce eggs in the ovaries. After the heart-wrenching diagnosis, Toyah is told surgery is the best form of treatment, with a possibility she may require a course of chemotherapy afterwards.
On the surface, Toyah appears very strong but, as Georgia explains, when left alone she finds herself breaking down in tears. “Toyah remains quite stoic about her diagnosis and what lies ahead. She wants to be strong and doesn’t want to worry those closest to her.
“I have seen people who have had cancer and don’t want everyone to panic either – Toyah is the same as she faces up to her operation but behind closed doors, she does break down in tears. She is fearful about what the future holds and worries if she will even be around still.” Georgia has never had any cancer scares herself, so she has drawn from the experiences of others and research by the soap’s production team to make sure she sensitively conveys the huge emotion felt surrounding a diagnosis.
Putting herself in Toyah’s shoes and knowing how she would feel if she had been given the same diagnosis, Georgia adds: “I want to make sure I tell her story well and the terrible emotions she is now feeling.
“I am not a medical professional and I am luckily in a privileged position where I don’t have to come to terms with the situation Toyah now finds herself in, but it is my job to tell the emotional storyline as best I can. It’s such a horrible ordeal for her.”
What makes Toyah’s situation worse, Georgia explains, is that she is also facing a complicated time at home. She is currently having an affair with Nick, the fiance of her sister, Leanne, who has unwittingly got involved with a cult group.
“It’s really stressful for Toyah because rather than her sister be there for her, Leanne removes herself from the situation,” Georgia explains. “It leaves Toyah feeling like her sister doesn’t want to support her. Thankfully Nick is very much there for her and it brings them even closer together.”
Determined to pour her heart and soul into the storyline over the coming weeks and months, Georgia says: “I am proud to be part of this storyline and help tell stories like Toyah’s that a cancer diagnosis does not always mean a death sentence. Everyone’s situation is different and each case is unique, but it is good to show stories can have a more positive ending.”
If you have been affected by Toyah’s storyline, Ovarian Cancer Action can offer help and information
Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm