Spoiler warning: This article reveals details from recent episodes of Hollyoaks.

With more than 75% of women with ovarian cancer being diagnosed at an advanced stage, actress Alex Fletcher knows how important her final storyline in Hollyoaks will be for so many.

In the Channel 4 soap, mum-of-four Diane Hutchinson was given the heartbreaking news that she has stage four ovarian cancer.

"I think everybody has been affected by cancer unfortunately in one way or another," said the actress, who is set to leave the show this year.

"You've felt that on set so it's been an important [storyline] to tell and get right."

The production team have worked closely with Ovarian Cancer Action to ensure it reflects the realities faced by women living with the disease.

"It's a storyline that is as devastating as it is important," said Marie-Claire Platt, director of research and policy at the charity.

"Bringing those realities to screen with care, accuracy and humanity, has the potential to reach people in a way that few awareness campaigns ever could."

In a bid to raise awareness, Alex and fellow actress Jessica Fox spoke with two women who have experienced ovarian cancer along with Marie-Claire.

In the short documentary, titled Know The Signs. Trust The Signs, they discuss the storyline, the stigmas and symptoms.

Natasha Reynolds, from Sheffield, visited the GP once a month for a year and a half before she was officially diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

Like 40% of women with ovarian cancer, her symptoms became so unbearably painful, she was forced to go to A&E for help.

"All I could think was – surely, I'm too young for that? I'm only 22," she said.

She was later diagnosed with an extremely rare form of ovarian cancer which mostly affects young people.

"I want whoever reads this to be confident in knowing their body, to understand themselves and to have the confidence to advocate for themselves," said the 23-year-old.

"We live in our bodies, we know them and love them, and we often know when something is deeply wrong."

Jess Brown, from Bristol, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2018 and later had to navigate surgical menopause.

While the ovarian cancer was diagnosed early, treatment needed to be aggressive and to happen quickly.

"Sharing our story is about raising awareness of how quickly this can happen, but also of how much research is needed for all types of ovarian cancer," said the 33-year-old.

"Ovarian cancer is very common and can be quite hidden."

You can listen to Jess and Natasha's stories on the documentary from 19:30 on Thursday 30 April on Hollyoaks' social media channels.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.