Emmerdale airs one of its most shocking storylines of the year tonight as Charity Dingle is subjected to a sickening assault.
The ITV soap is exploring the issue of sexual violence as Charity’s enemy Dr Todd commits a horrendous crime following their latest clash about the baby Leyla secret.
Read on for six spoilers from tonight’s episode…
1. Charity’s blackmail nightmare continues
Running out of options, Charity desperately searches for a final plan to pay off Dr Todd once and for all. Although she has already handed over thousands of pounds in cash, it’s way short of the £100,000 that Todd demanded in exchange for keeping quiet about who Leyla’s biological parents are.
The stakes couldn’t be higher, as Todd has threatened to expose the truth at Sarah’s 21st birthday party if her demands aren’t met.
2. Dr Todd gets more than she’d bargained for
After drinking heavily, Charity changes tactics by confronting Todd and daring her to expose the truth. The plan to call Todd’s bluff seemingly works, as the malicious medic seems unwilling to destroy Sarah’s life so publicly.
Creepy as ever, Todd declares that she has enjoyed being part of Charity’s chaotic life. She implies that the secret is now safe, which leaves Charity hopeful that her ordeal is over.
3. Charity is left devastated
Todd’s malicious nature later resurfaces when she subjects Charity to a sexual assault. Show bosses announced their plans for this storyline earlier this week, explaining that the aftermath would explore the devastating effects of sexual violence and the complex feelings of isolation survivors can experience.
Emma Atkins, who plays Charity, recently said: “This has been one of the most demanding and significant storylines I’ve had to navigate as Charity. We know her as a tough, resilient character, but this trauma will expose a deep, raw vulnerability that has been heartbreaking at times to play. I hope this storyline gives even one person the courage to speak out or helps others understand the quiet devastation of trauma.”
Show producer Sophie Roper added: “Charity’s storyline will explore the impact of sexual violence, and though this heinous act is fundamentally about power, we’ll explore the complexities of how Charity processes her trauma when the perpetrator is a woman.
“With little conversation surrounding female-on-female assault, we’ll explore the overwhelming feelings of isolation many survivors experience and will examine the disparity between the legal term sexual assault and the fact that many women in Charity’s position feel this minimises what’s happened to them, because they feel like they’ve been raped. Though difficult viewing at times, Charity’s resilience will inspire hope as she confronts what has happened to her.”
4. Sam’s lies concern Kim
Sam is thrilled that he’s finally making progress with his dancing, but he continues telling lies to Kim and Lydia about his whereabouts so the surprise isn’t ruined.
Kim later sees Sam sneaking out of Laurel’s house and sees this as proof that they’re betraying Lydia by having an affair.
5. Laurel has second thoughts over Ross
Ross suggests that he could take Laurel out for a proper date, but she’s flummoxed as this was never part of the arrangement.
Laurel admits to Nicola that she’s feeling guilty because Ross now seems to regard their fling as something more serious than it really is.
6. Lydia prepares for a showdown
Kim warns Lydia that she’s suspicious over the nature of Sam and Laurel’s relationship.
When Lydia agrees that the signs aren’t looking good, Kim offers to accompany her as she confronts her husband.
