Coronation Street legend Angela Lonsdale has broken her silence after joining the cast of Emmerdale as DS Reid, the police officer handling Charity Dingle's sexual assault case.
Charity's Ordeal
Recently, Charity was sexually assaulted by the manipulative Dr Todd, who had been blackmailing her for weeks over the true parentage of baby Leyla. Charity had acted as a surrogate for her granddaughter Sarah Sugden and Sarah's husband Jacob Gallagher, bringing baby Leyla into the world. However, Charity failed to disclose that she and Ross Barton are the biological parents following a brief fling. When Dr Todd discovered this secret, she demanded £100,000 from the Woolpack co-owner and matters escalated when she assaulted Charity after she fell asleep on the sofa.
Brave Reporting
Following the assault, Charity bravely reported Dr Todd to the police and spoke with DS Reid, played by Angela Lonsdale. Soap viewers quickly recognized the actress from her earlier role as police officer Emma on Coronation Street from 2000 to 2003, where she was paired with iconic character Curly Watts.
Angela's Career
Angela, 58, has also appeared in Holby City, Doctors, This Is England '90, Our Girl, The Syndicate, and Hollyoaks, among others.
Social Media Reaction
Taking to Instagram after her Emmerdale debut, Angela wrote: "I'm very honoured to have joined the Company of @emmerdale as DS REID along side the ever brilliant @missemmaatkins. This is a deeply impactful story line, sensitively directed by @beckywildtv. If anyone is affected by the issues raised please contact itv.com/advice." She added: "I'm proud to have joined the company of @emmerdale as DS Reid along side the brilliant @missemmaatkins. Directed with great sensitivity by @beckywildtv. This is a deeply impactful and important storyline." Former Coronation Street co-stars Sally Dynevor, Samia Longchambon, and Denise Welch congratulated her in the comments.
Emmerdale airs Monday to Friday at 8:00pm on ITV1 and ITVX. If you have been affected by sexual assault, help is available via www.rapecrisis.org.uk or by calling 0808 802 9999.
