Emmerdale’s Sarah Sugden Actress Katie Hill Opens Up About Cancer Storyline and Initial Fears of Being Axed

Katie Hill, the actress who plays Sarah Sugden on Emmerdale, recently revealed she initially feared she was being written out of the show when she was called into a meeting with the producers. However, she was soon relieved to learn that huge, dramatic twists were planned for her character — including a powerful and heartbreaking new cancer storyline.

Sarah Sugden’s character will soon face devastating news as she is diagnosed with cervical cancer in the early stages of the disease. The storyline promises to be emotionally charged, as Sarah struggles to come to terms with her diagnosis while navigating her hopes of starting a family through IVF. The show will explore how Sarah finds it difficult to open up about her condition, eventually confiding in her ex, Jacob Gallagher.

Katie Hill’s Initial Reaction: Fear of Being Axed

In an interview with The Mirror, Katie Hill shared her honest feelings about being called into the meeting. After witnessing several recent cast departures, she feared her time on Emmerdale might be ending. She explained, “In a soap not everyone can have a big storyline at the same time so I’ve had quite a few quiet years.”

Katie continued, “I’m definitely ready to get a storyline and get my teeth into something. So when they called me up for that meeting at first I thought, ‘Oh no…’, but then she sat me down and said we’ve got all this coming up.”

The relief and excitement were palpable, as Katie said, “I was so pleased to find out they trusted me to do all these storylines and I’m really enjoying it. It’s busy, it’s a big transition from going from being quiet and then doing eight scenes every day all week, but I really enjoyed it.”

The Emotional Depth of Sarah’s Story

Katie also opened up about the emotional weight the storyline carries, especially as Sarah feels her world “crashing down” after the diagnosis. She explained that Sarah has had to live with a condition called focal anaemia, which puts her at a higher risk for cancer. Because of this, Sarah has lived with a constant underlying fear of developing cancer throughout her life.

“Deep down she’ll always fear cancer. People with focal anaemia are a lot more likely to get cancer throughout their life, so she’s always had that worry,” Katie said. “But again because she’s been through it since such a young age she’s built up resilience to that sort of thing. She tries to keep a strong head on and be brave, but she does have her moments where she feels like her world has come crashing down.”

Commitment to Authenticity and Research

When asked about preparing for the role, Katie revealed she took it upon herself to do extensive research to portray Sarah’s condition accurately and sensitively. She stated, “I was excited. As actors the thing we love to do most is to be able to tell stories to an audience that can resonate with it, so I was honoured they trusted me to give me this storyline.”

The show’s research team collaborated closely with relevant charities to ensure the storyline’s accuracy and sensitivity, which Katie appreciated greatly. “The research team has worked with charities and it’s been amazing as an actor to be given this storyline. It’s a privilege,” she said.

Katie added, “I had to research all about focal anaemia. I’ve definitely looked into that side of things. I think it’s important when playing a character to be true to yourself.”

Sarah’s Growth and Maturity

Katie also reflected on how Sarah’s past experiences have shaped her character, making her mature beyond her years. “She’s had to grow up quickly and that is why she’s so clued up with it and on it with what she wants, cos she’s been through so much from such a young age,” Katie explained.

“She’s definitely had to grow up a lot quicker than most people her age,” she added, highlighting Sarah’s resilience and determination despite the challenges she faces.