MC-QUEEN BEE Hollyoaks announces special episode for Stand Up To Cancer revolving around Mercedes McQueen

HOLLYOAKS has announced a special episode for Stand Up To Cancer.

The special charity instalment will revolve around Jennifer Metcalfe‘s infamous alter-ego, Mercedes McQueen.

Hollyoaks is set to air a special episode for Stand Up To Cancer Credit: Channel 4

It was revealed after the time jump that Mercedes McQueen was diagnosed with an aggressive form of bowel cancer Credit: Lime Pictures

The actress has played the long-running character for nearly two decades

Jennifer, 41, has played the long-running character on-screen for nearly two decades.

The actress first joined the Channel 4 serial drama in 2006 and has also starred in the spin-off, Hollyoaks Later between 2008 and 2020.

She survived the the highly-publicised time jump following a string of cuts to both the cast and the behind-the-scenes crew.

However, when the soap returned it was revealed that her character was battling an aggressive form of bowel cancer.

Her current storyline focuses on the fan favourite as she suffers from the side effects of chemotherapy treatment.

This is all while juggling the demands of being both a single mother and pillar of support for many within her circle.

Now has been revealed that the commercial network will air a very special episode dedicated to raising awareness around cancer.

The dedicated edition will air tonight and viewers will see Mercedes’ friends and family rally around to support her through the next round of treatment.

They will all be wearing t-shirts that are emblazoned with the slogan ‘Strong, Sexy & Surviving,’ in the famous McQueen family leopard print.

Hollyoaks has also launched a special collaboration with Stand Up To Cancer where viewers can purchase bespoke designed t-shirts, worn by characters within the show.

The dedicated t-shirts are being sold to raise awareness for bowel cancer as the storyline continues to grip viewers on air.

Alongside the t-shirts that feature on the show, fitted jumpers, oversized jumpers, unisex hoodies, relaxed hoodies and tote bags will also be available.

Speaking about the upcoming collaboration, Jennifer gushed: “I’m really pleased that within the storyline, as well as raising vital awareness, we are able to support Stand Up To Cancer.

“I think that the statement of the t-shirts sum up everything about Mercedes and how she has approached her treatment for bowel cancer – like she does everything in her life – bold and in her own way.”

Her current storyline focuses on her gruelling treatment as she struggles the demands of being a single mum Credit: Lime Pictures

In the show, Mercedes’ friends and family will wear special t-shirts as they rally around her Credit: Channel 4

The tops include inspirational slogans emblazoned in the iconic McQueen leopard print

The clothes will be available for viewers to buy and the proceeds will go to charity Credit: Channel 4