Emmerdale has been hit with complaints over its harrowing assault storyline. A recent episode of the ITV soap showed Dr Caitlin Todd (Caroline Harker) sexually assaulting Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins), in a scene that viewers described as disturbing and chilling, and said left them feeling sick.
Broadcasting watchdog Ofcom has now said it received 121 complaints from viewers about the Emmerdale episode that aired on Sunday, June 7. A spokesperson confirmed that the complaints related to the doctor's assault on Charity.
Dr. Todd has been blackmailing Charity for weeks over the true parentage of Leyla Sugden, demanding thousands of pounds from her. The plot took a sinister turn during Sunday's episode when Charity, inebriated, resigned herself to revealing the truth. The doctor attempted to kiss her, but Charity pulled away and fell asleep. However, she later awoke to find Dr. Todd assaulting her, reports the Express.
Many viewers found the scene difficult to stomach, with one individual on X stating they felt physically sick as the events unfolded. That scene with Doctor Todd doing that to Charity, then Charity realising what was happening at the end was pretty chilling, commented another viewer, adding: Certainly one of the most evil doctors in soapland!
Another person posted on the platform, formerly known as Twitter: Very disturbing scene but very glad that Emmerdale made the decision for Charity to go straight to the police to report. One person commented: Firstly, that was an outstanding performance from Emma Atkins and Caroline Harker - however, it was disturbing, uncomfortable and seriously sickening all at once. I was shaking, felt violently ill, they continued. I was horrified and felt traumatised by it, another viewer admitted.
Several viewers noted the powerful nature of the storyline and commended the soap for shedding light on the issue. So amazing and so so important, one viewer remarked, while another posted: OMG that was horrific to watch, I didn't think it would be so graphic but it is such an important topic to cover! You very rarely see female-on-female SA covered on TV. Emma and Caroline are doing an amazing job, even though it's horrific to watch!
Emmerdale broadcasts on ITV1 and ITVX. The rape and sexual abuse support line operated by Rape Crisis England and Wales can be reached on 0808 500 2222.
