“They’ve said how much it has helped them.”

Hollyoaks spoilers follow.

Hollyoaks star Jennifer Metcalfe has opened up about the real-life impact of the Mercedes McQueen cancer storyline.

It was recently confirmed that the character had been diagnosed with bowel cancer following the soap’s one-year time jump.

Jennifer has now revealed that she has been contacted by people who have been through similar experiences since the storyline began.

“I’ve heard from a lot of people who have gone through similar things to what Mercedes is going through and having that direct contact with them and how they’ve said how much it has helped them and raised awareness around bowel cancer has just been overwhelming,” she told The Sun.

“I’ve sat there for hours on a night-time, just responding to everyone, we have been voice noting between us and it has just had a powerful impact.”

Jennifer also said that some followers have shared their symptoms with her, the star noting: “I’m no nurse or doctor but it does just feel massive to know I’ve had that impact.

“I will sit there and chat to anyone about if they have symptoms or where they need to go to get tested or if they are experiencing changes.”

The actor previously opened up to Digital Spy and other media about her own real-life connection to the storyline.

“My dad died when I was 15 of bowel cancer so there was real, raw trauma there for me that I’ve probably never dealt with,” Jennifer shared. “I had to dig a little bit deep into personal experiences.”

Hollyoaks airs on Mondays-Wednesdays with its Channel 4 streaming premiere at 7am, then an E4 broadcast the same night at 7pm. Full episodes are also released on YouTube a week after their Channel 4 release.