In a candid and emotional revelation, Emmerdale star Liam Fox has opened up about his grueling eight-year journey to receive cancer treatment. Best known for his role as Dan Spencer on the ITV soap from 2011 to 2023, Fox recently underwent surgery to remove a basal cell carcinoma. While he expressed gratitude for the National Health Service (NHS) for finally addressing the issue, he also shared his immense frustration over the long and exhausting process of securing the treatment he desperately needed.
Fox first noticed an unusual patch on his skin back in 2017, prompting him to seek medical advice. Initially, doctors dismissed it as flaky skin and prescribed a cream, which temporarily cleared it up. However, the issue resurfaced a year later, and despite his concerns, he was once again given the same treatment. Eventually, he was referred to Warrington Hospital for further tests, but when the results came back negative, he was told not to worry. The doctors assured him they would check again in six months, but Fox never received a follow-up appointment.
By the time he reached out again, the patch had worsened and was now bleeding. Frustrated, he demanded further investigation, but was met with delays. “I was told to wait in line like everyone else,” he revealed. Another year passed, and with the condition deteriorating, Fox had to push for another appointment. This time, he was finally seen by a specialist who admitted he should have been examined much sooner. After persistently following up, he secured a long-overdue surgery in February 2024, during which the carcinoma was successfully removed. The actor praised the surgical team for their care but condemned the delays that prolonged his suffering. 
Reflecting on his battle, Fox considers himself lucky that his cancer was a common and treatable form. However, he acknowledges that things could have been far worse had he not been proactive. “I’ve always been careful with sun protection, but maybe the damage was done when I was younger,” he admitted. Now, he’s urging others to be vigilant and persistent when it comes to their health.
Meanwhile, drama is heating up on Emmerdale with the introduction of new troublemaker Rich Thompson, played by rising star Joshua John. Rich, a friend of Jacob Gallagher, quickly finds himself at the center of a scandal when he becomes the prime suspect in Noah Dingle’s drink-spiking incident. The controversy ultimately leads to a tragic limo crash that claims the life of Leyla Harding. In upcoming episodes, Charity and Belle Dingle will confront Rich, demanding answers about his involvement in the shocking event. As the tension escalates, will Rich be able to clear his name, or is there more to his story than meets the eye?
Off-screen, John has been making waves in the acting world, with an impressive background in Shakespearean theater, including performances at the renowned Globe Theatre. He has also appeared in music videos and continues to captivate audiences with his talent.
Elsewhere in Emmerdale, Belle Dingle’s tumultuous relationship with her abusive husband Tom King remains a focal point. After suffering months of coercive control and physical violence, Belle finally fought back, leaving Tom hospitalized. Though he was sentenced to three years in prison, his menacing presence still looms over Belle as she fights for a divorce. Could he find a way to manipulate his way back into her life?
Meanwhile, rumors are swirling about an explosive new storyline involving Amit Sharma. With Eric Pollard determined to expose Amit’s dark secrets, could another murder be on the horizon? Fans should brace themselves for shocking twists, unexpected alliances, and high-stakes drama in the weeks ahead.
