Emmerdale aired the devastating aftermath of Charity Dingle's sexual assault on Monday's episode of the ITV soap. The storyline, which has left viewers emotional, took a dark turn when Dr Todd sexually assaulted Charity in Sunday's episode.
Charity's Struggle After the Attack
In Monday's episode, Charity struggled to process what had happened. After attempting to join her family at the Woolpack for granddaughter Sarah's 21st birthday, she fled the scene. Later, she bravely reported Dr Todd to the police, taking the first step toward justice.
The actress who plays Dr Todd, Caroline Harker, warned that her character could become even more sinister. Speaking at a press event, she said: "I think she's just scratching the surface about the Dingles. She's very focused in that forensic surgeon way, but if she was there long enough, she could do some damage. She can go darker though, wait and see."
Charity's Secret and Blackmail
The storyline began when Dr Todd discovered that baby Leyla is not biologically the child of Sarah Sugden and Jacob Gallagher. Charity acted as a surrogate, but after a fling with Ross Barton, Leyla's true parentage is Charity and Ross. Dr Todd has been blackmailing Charity for £100,000, leaving her desperate.
Actress Emma Atkins on the Trauma
Emma Atkins, who plays Charity, described the storyline as one of the most demanding of her career. "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," she said. "I hope this storyline gives even one person the courage to speak out or helps others understand the quiet devastation of trauma."
Emmerdale airs Monday to Friday at 8:00pm on ITV1 and ITVX. If you have been a victim of sexual assault, help is available at www.rapecrisis.org.uk or by calling the national helpline on 0808 802 9999.
