Does Vanessa die in Emmerdale? The vet prepares a will as she faces up to death

EMMERDALE fans have been left fearing soap favourite Vanessa Woodfield will die after being diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer.

The veterinary surgeon prepares a will and a last testament in upcoming scenes - but is she going to lose the battle against her cancer? Here’s everything you need to know...

What do we know about Vanessa’s bowel cancer diagnosis in Emmerdale?

Emmerdale fans were horrified when kidnapper Pierce read out and revealed Vanessa’s bowel cancer diagnosis while holding her hostage.

After finally escaping his clutches, Vanessa was told her cancer was at stage three and that it had spread to her lymph nodes.

Vanessa broke down to her girlfriend Charity at the prospect of her struggles ahead.

But the doctor remained positive and told her she had every chance of living with the right treatment.

Emmerdale have confirmed that the important storyline will play out over the next few months as Vanessa comes to terms with her bowel cancer diagnosis and symptoms and undergoes extensive treatment.

Speaking about her new storyline, Vanessa actress Michelle Hardwick said: "This is such a challenging storyline, but we’ve been working closely with Bowel Cancer UK, who have been enormously helpful to me in researching Vanessa's symptoms and treatment.

"I hope to do Vanessa’s story justice. I was actually really shocked to learn that bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK and the second biggest cancer killer, but diagnosed early is treatable."

Genevieve Edwards, Chief Executive at Bowel Cancer UK said: "This storyline will help to raise awareness of bowel cancer, and we hope it encourages viewers to recognise the symptoms and visit their GP if they’re concerned."

Is Vanessa going to die in Emmerdale?

In upcoming scenes of Emmerdale, Vanessa tells her sister Tracy that she's prepared a last will and testament ahead of her operation.

Given her preparations for death, the vet is obviously fearing the worst.

But Michelle Hardwick - who plays Vanessa in the ITV soap - is yet to announce any plans to leave the show.

So viewers can hold out hope that the soap favourite will win her battle with cancer and remain on our screens.

Fans were left in tears after learning that Vanessa’s cancer had spread and flocked to Twitter to express their outrage at the possibility of the lesbian queen’s death.

One fan tweeted: "Just don't let Vanessa die. Great actress great character and why all soaps seem to write out gay characters after a short time I don't know?"

Another added: "#Emmerdale I really hope Vanessa doesn’t die."

A third added: "I know every march all soaps seem to have a big cull or a lull with characters missing. It must be hard to write but this storyline is getting ridiculous.

"I just hope Vanessa doesn't die from this bowel cancer. Maybe someone in the village could contract corona virus. Rodney??"

Emmerdale are yet to confirm Vanessa's fate on the show, and fans will have to tune in to watch her cancer storyline unfold.

Is Tracy going to split up Vanessa and Charity?

Emmerdale couple Vanessa and Charity have stayed together through thick and thin and it's unlikely that Tracy will manage to split them up now at Vanessa's time of need.

But - as Emmerdale fans will know - she's giving it her best shot.

Tracy took out her anger on Charity this week, telling her to back off and leave Vanessa's treatment to her.

Vanessa had confided in Tracy that Charity had been in denial at first about the cancer.

She then admitted that she'd gone to hospital without her.

Tracy wasted little time in warning Charity to keep her distance.

She said: "You were too busy being useless, burying your head in the sand and now you’re all over her making her feel suffocated. If you really want to help Vanessa, back off and leave it to me."