Emmerdale viewers are set to be devastated for Charity Dingle next week as the ITV soap reveals the heartbreaking aftermath of her ordeal with Dr Caitlin Todd. For weeks, Charity has been subjected to blackmail by the sinister doctor, who discovered that Charity and Ross Barton are the biological parents of baby Leyla.
Charity's Desperate Situation
Charity had served as a surrogate for her granddaughter Sarah Sugden and her husband Jacob Gallagher. Sarah and Jacob believe baby Leyla is biologically theirs, but in reality, Charity and Ross are the biological parents. Armed with this knowledge, Dr Todd demanded an eye-watering £100,000 from the Woolpack co-owner, plunging Charity into utter desperation. The situation escalated horrifically when Dr Todd sexually assaulted Charity in Sunday's episode.
During Monday's episode, Charity courageously reported Dr Todd and the assault to police, where soap viewers recognised DS Reid actress Angela Lonsdale. Spoilers for next week now reveal what unfolds next.
Charity's Isolation Deepens
In forthcoming scenes, doctor Manpreet Sharma checks in on Charity, who falsely claims her breakdown is postnatal depression. Manpreet prescribes medication, leaving Charity feeling completely isolated in her new deception as she battles to confide in her loved ones about what occurred. When Mack Boyd returns, Charity is distressed to discover he has informed Sarah about her difficulties. Once alone, she takes sleeping pills washed down with wine.
Upon discovering that her gran is struggling, Sarah is consumed by guilt, convinced that Charity's suspected postnatal depression stems from her role as surrogate. Sarah's curiosity deepens further when Charity hints that there is "more going on." Despite this, Charity continues to deceive her family, insisting that her difficulties are down to PND and sleep deprivation.
Emotional Turmoil Ahead
Meanwhile, Mack finds himself comforting a tearful Sarah, who holds the surrogacy responsible for all of Charity's emotional turmoil. In the weeks ahead, Charity will endure a painful struggle to come to terms with the attack, torn between opening up to her loved ones or keeping her trauma buried deep within.
Emmerdale airs Monday to Friday at 8:00pm on ITV1 and ITVX. If you've been the victim of sexual assault, you can access help and resources via www.rapecrisis.org.uk or calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999.
