The actor from the soap has undergone surgery to remove a patch of carcinoma, and has now spoken out about his eight-year wait for treatment
Emmerdale’s Liam Fox, who portrayed Dan Spencer on the popular ITV soap, has revealed that it took him eight years to receive a skin cancer diagnosis after being initially dismissed by doctors. The 54-year-old actor, who left the show in the summer of 2023, underwent surgery earlier this month to remove a patch of carcinoma.
In an interview, Liam stated: “I’ve been lucky. If this had been a ‘melanoma’ rather than a ‘carcenoma’ it could kill you..”
He further disclosed that he had waited eight years for treatment, telling The Sun: “None of us want to be that person that nags the NHS, we know they’re busy we know they’re overworked, but when you know in yourself that something’s not right, you’ve got keep pushing.”
Best known for his 12-year stint as Dan on Emmerdale, Liam has recently made headlines for his battle with skin cancer, which he has publicly discussed to raise awareness. It was announced earlier this month that he had received treatment to remove a basal cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer that can develop anywhere on the body, though it is most common in areas exposed to the sun.
Earlier this month, Liam took to Instagram to share an update with his fans about the removal of his cancer. He posted a selfie showcasing his scar and wrote: “Just changing the dressing after my #carcenoma removal and thought I’d post the picture… nice work from #sthelens NHS England but another reminder to cover up…I’ve been using plenty of sun screen for decades, this could likely be damage from my teens when I didn’t think about the dangers #SkinCancerAwareness #coverup at least I’m perfect for gangster castings now,” reports the Mirror.
Fans rallied behind him, showing their support, with one saying: “Wishing you a speedy recovery, Liam. I hope it’s all sorted for you matey.”
Liam responded to his followers revealing how long he had to push for proper medical attention, saying: “All sorted mate… I had to keep pushing for a long time to be heard mate… fobbed off for ages.”
Known for his role on Emmerdale, Liam has become an advocate for seeking medical advice promptly.
Initially hired for just six weeks, he eventually became a permanent fixture on the iconic ITV soap. The actor has experienced many highs and lows in his life, both in the public eye and personally.
Soap star Liam has experienced the highs and lows of marriage twice. His first wedding bells rang in 1999 with ex-Hollyoaks actress Nicole Barber-Lane, and together they welcomed a son Ben, now 23, and Liam became step-dad to Gemma, 26.
However, the couple went their separate ways in 2015. He found love a second time with Joanna Hudson; the two originally dated during their studies at the University of Salford, drifted apart, but fatefully reunited to marry in 2020.
In another chapter of his life, Liam has been open about his father’s lengthy battle with alcohol addiction. Speaking candidly to The Mirror two years ago, he discussed his dad’s 40-year struggle which tragically culminated in his death in February 2021 at age 73 from pneumonia, a descent hastened by a daily intake of two bottles of vodka.
Liam shared his heartbreak: “Dad struggled with alcoholism for nearly 40 years of my life and it was absolutely horrendous for us to watch him get so regularly drunk knowing that one day he would die from the demon drink. Even though we repeatedly warned him if he didn’t stop drinking he would die, he couldn’t help himself. If by me talking about what happened can help others, then that has to be a positive thing. Nobody should have to suffer in silence.”
Emmerdale is on ITV1 and ITVX
