Emmerdale's Charity Dingle, played by Emma Atkins, will confront her attacker Dr. Todd next week. Atkins also teased the return of Sadie King and discussed the future of Charity's marriage to Mack.
Charity's Support Group and Guilt
After her sexual assault by Dr. Todd, Charity finds the courage to return to a support group, where she opens up about blaming herself. Atkins said: "I think Charity just felt so lost in it all. She feels braver now. It was a lovely, natural progression for my character's journey to go on, to finally say it out loud, because she'd just kept it bottled up for so long."
Charity's guilt is compounded by the baby lie she is still keeping from her family. She agreed to be a surrogate for granddaughter Sarah Sugden, but the baby, Leyla, is actually Charity's child from a fling with Ross Barton. Mack knows the truth and has stuck by Charity.
Mack and Charity's Future
Atkins shared that Charity is shocked by Mack's support. "She never expected him to stick around. She was always waiting for the moment where he's packing his bags, and he did quite a few times, and then he would come back." Atkins added that a split is still possible: "He's not suggesting the support is going to be forever, because he is saying, 'I don't know how long I can continue to be with you, but for now I'll do my best to support you', so we'll see."
More heartbreak looms as Charity's son Noah plans to leave the village for Dusseldorf. "She's devastated really," Atkins said. Noah decides to stay to support his mum, but Charity may encourage him to pursue his dreams.
Showdown with Dr. Todd and Death Twist
Atkins confirmed Charity will come face-to-face with Dr. Todd (Caroline Harker). "She definitely gets to have her moment with her. The audience is owed that, because they've followed this journey. I don't want to give too much away, but it's absolutely brilliant." She hinted at retribution: "There's some kind of retribution and justice in its own way."
Earlier this month, a bloody crime scene showed Dr. Todd dead. Atkins suggested the outcome will bring closure for Charity: "I think Charity is very much at the point where she can walk away, regardless of the outcome with Todd, down the legal route. I think she's found peace. I think she would be okay with Todd dying without justice."
Sadie King's Return and Baby Secret
Atkins is thrilled to welcome back Patsy Kensit as Sadie King after 20 years. "They're going to kind of re-enact a few moments that were there in the past. There's always a good dynamic with Charity and Sadie."
Atkins also confirmed the baby secret will be exposed. She hopes for lighter times for Charity, saying: "Maybe rebuilding herself from the inside out on her own for a bit would be quite good."
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
