Kit Green (Jacob Roberts) has started his chemotherapy in an emotional Coronation Street instalment.
For weeks, the copper chose not to disclose his stage three breast cancer diagnosis. The story kicked off at the same time that the Winter clan realised they may carry the familial BRCA gene, following the passing of their estranged aunt, Celeste Butterfield (Frances Barber).
Carrying a BRCA (Breast Cancer) gene mutation means inheriting a harmful change in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes from a parent, which significantly raises your lifetime risk of developing certain cancers.
On learning of the plot, Roberts said: "I genuinely didn’t know that men could get breast cancer and I felt, to make it authentic, that Kit shouldn't know that men can get breast cancer either.
"Speaking to the charities and male survivors has been really insightful, lots of men don't know they can get this and, for Kit, it's that utter disbelief of how can this be?
"Not only for his age, but how can I have this as a bloke and who else in the family could be affected."
Subsequent scenes saw Bernie realise that she had the gene, though Kit explained that he already knew - as he was going through his own cancer journey.
In today's episode, with a number of family members and close friends now aware of his diagnosis, Kit prepared to shave his own head before the chemotherapy treatment caused hair loss.
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Son Brody Michaelis (Ryan Mulvey) arrived at the Redbank Apartments to offer his support and the pair shared a tender moment together. Despite many years of estrangement, they finally seemed to be bonding.
Determined to remain strong, Kit handed Brody his electric razor, allowing him to shave his hair.
At the hospital, Kit found comfort in Bernie’s company as they reminisced about his childhood. He said that the time was going to go slowly, and so she purposely missed a lunch date with Debbie Webster (Sue Devaney) to get to know him better.
As he'd been placed up for adoption, there was a lot to learn.
Later, at home, Kit realised that he'd soon have to come clean to his ex-girlfriend Sarah Platt's (Tina O'Brien) son Harry (Joshua Leavy) about his battle, given they're still living under the same roof. Brody then called in to check on him, and for the first time since he learnt of his paternity, referred to Kit as "dad".
He said that Kit's presence in his life had shown how much he needed a father figure, and he urged him to keep fighting. Deeply moved by his words, Kit held his son tightly, drawing strength from their bond.
Will this be the start of a new chapter for Kit and Brody?
Read more:
- Coronation Street's Jodie Ramsey star signs new one-year contract to keep playing villain
- Coronation Street star teases Debbie Webster's tragic final Christmas in Weatherfield as dementia story edges close to end
- Coronation Street favourite Vicky Myers reflects on Alison King's 20 years with soap amid huge night for Swarla fans
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