Emmerdale introduced a new character tonight as part of Cain Dingle’s prostate cancer storyline. Newcomer Clive, played by Phil Mealey, appeared during a support group meeting – but some fans may have recognised him from the BBC show Early Doors.

The sitcom, which aired for two seasons between 2003 and 2004, was co-written by Mealey and Craig Cash, who also starred as best friends Nigel and Joe. But in tonight’s instalment of Emmerdale, Mealey took on a more sombre role as fellow cancer patient Clive.

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The episode opened with Cain burying himself in his work as a distraction from his upcoming surgery. He asked Sam to look over some prospective machinery for ‘Dingle Farm’, before revealing his plans to visit Moira in prison later.

“Definitely not going to that prostate class thing today, then?” asked a concerned Kammy Hadiq, who was promptly instructed to mind his own business.

Cain continued to brush off the idea, but after a stern talking to from his granddaughter Sarah Sugden, he reluctantly decided to go. As he hovered in the doorway before the meeting, he was approached by fellow member Clive who shared his relationship troubles following his diagnosis.

“If I was single this would be a whole lot easier. Since this all started, she can barely even look me in the eye anymore,” he said, referring to his partner. “And when she does, it’s a cross between pity and buyer’s remorse.”

“And now we’re gonna sit here and listen to all the ways in which cancer’s gonna strip me of my dignity,” he added.

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Clive’s words clearly struck a nerve with Cain, who was already anxious about his surgery and marriage. He instantly changed his mind about attending the meeting and stormed away.

Back at home, Cain listened to a voicemail from his wife Moira, who was worried when he didn’t show up for their visit. But instead of calling her back, he headed to The Woolpack to drown his sorrows.

Later, when Sam arrived in the pub, he awkwardly admitted he had forgotten to look into the farm machinery. Sam’s oversight finally tipped Cain over the edge and he explode in a fit of rage.

But how long will he continue to push his loved ones away?

Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 8pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.

Read more Emmerdale spoilers on our dedicated homepage

For exclusive soap star interviews, gossip, spoilers and theories every week, don’t miss the Soap Scoop podcast from Inside Soap magazine. The latest episode delves into next week’s soap spoilers for EastEnders, Coronation Street and Emmerdale – as Gary Windass battles Theo Silverton, and Kim Tate is rocked by a poisoning mystery